1. Chinese New Year Celebrating the Year of the SHEEP

2. Dumpling

3. The shape of “jiaozi” is like that of a yuanbao. Yuanbao was an ancient Chinese currency. Since the shape of Chinese dumplings is similar to ancient Chinese gold or silver ingots, they symbolize wealth. Chinese believe that the shape is auspicious.

4. How to make dumpling

5. Sticky Rice Ball

6. After the reunion dinner on the new year eve, “tang yuan” is a must have dessert for every family. It is symbolic of a “sweet reunion”. The roundness of the rice balls signify a complete circle of harmony and unity within the family. As “tang yuan” is round and smooth with a sweet filling, it also symbolizes that everything will go smoothly in the New Year.

7. Peanuts in the shell. Peanuts are known to signify long life.

8. Tangerine

9. “Tangerines” in Chinese language sound similar to the word “luck”. The bright orange color of the fruits also symbolize 'gold'; hence it has an auspicious meaning to bring in good luck and wealth.

10. Fish

11. The symbolic meanings of 'fish' throughout Chinese tradition are endless. The identical sound of the words 'fish' (yú) 鱼 and the word 余 (yú), meaning 'extra’ or 'surplus’, have made fish an indispensable component in the Chinese New Year's dinner celebration. “ 年年有余 ”- 'May you have surplus and remainders year after year' is a common blessing expressed during the Chinese New Year celebration.

12. HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR of the SHEEP