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Chinese Wedding Food Symbols

I recently went to a Chinese wedding reception and was culturally surprised by the delicacies that I sampled. It was a nice change from the usual banquet menu at most weddings. In addition to that, the bride and groom carefully explained that behind each course or food, a meaning was attached. The following is a list of cultural foods and what they symbolize: Roasted Suckling Pig: Roasted pork symbolizes the new beginning of a family for the newlyweds.

Shark Fin Soup: An expensive delicacy that indicates wealth.

Baked stuffed sea whelk in Portuguese sauce: Signifies that this new life is full of happiness and well-being.

Abalone: Symbolizes wealth and good fortune.

Squab (Pigeon): A good marriage and the coming together of families. A whole squab for each guest means that each and every person will also experience a peaceful life.

Chinese Cabridge with Mushrooms and Ham: This dish wishes the couple to think in a similar way – to avoid conflict. Vegetables emphasize unity and harmony for close family ties.

Red Lobster: Signifies celebration of happiness and joy. Serving the lobster whole symbolizes completeness.

Stir Fried whole Sole Filet: Fish served whole is a symbol of prosperity and good harvest to follow. The Chinese word for fish, “yu”, sounds like the word for riches or abundance, and will help your wishes come true in the next year.

Fried Bean Vermicelli with Pork & Conpoy: Noodles served at the end of the meal promote longevity because the noodles come in long strands.

Chilli-fried Rice with Seafood: This dish symbolizes a healthy child to come in the near future.

Sweets: These symbolize fertility and the bearing of many children over a long life.

Wedding Cake: Sweets again symbolize a rich, sweet life, each layer symbolizing upward steps in the world, and rising wealth for the coming year. The round shape of the cake also signifies reunion for family and friends.