Like most celebrations, the Chinese New Year is best celebrated with food. But not just any food—whether it’s dinner with family or a really big party, it’s important to serve food that attracts the right vibes for the rest of the year.
These food items are not just good; they also come with a generous helping of good fortune, perfect for ushering in the Year of the Earth Dog.
Walnuts generally symbolize happiness for the entire family. Besides tasting great, they also contain nutrients that support the brain—pretty helpful for remembering the rest of this list.
Almonds are often baked into coin-shaped cookies to symbolize wealth, but they’re good to eat on their own, especially when toasted.
As one of the world’s most popular bar chows, peanuts hardly register as special items on the menu. But in Chinese tradition, they symbolize vitality and prosperity, among others.
Ginger symbolizes longevity. In candied form, it’s often included in the Box of Harmony, which is a meaningful selection of treats often given out during important celebrations.
Like ginger, apricots are often included in the Box of Harmony. The golden color is believed to attract wealth.
Often used to improve various dishes, spices like cinnamon can enhance the whole dining experience simply through the aroma alone. The enduring fragrance is said to invite a long and honorable life, so keep them in the room to enjoy the benefits.
Chinese culture has always valued flowers like jasmine for symbolizing rebirth, growth, and prosperity. Infused in tea that stands for harmony, the resulting drink is a fine addition to the New Year feast.
Pork is one of the most popular meats in Chinese cuisine and it also happens to bear significance in folk tradition. When roasted, the skin turns bright red—a color mostly associated with good luck.
Besides food, it’s also important to celebrate with an equally special drink. Consider Rémy Martin CLUB. A quick swirl releases a mix of aromas, including scents mentioned above—grilled almonds, spicy cinnamon, and the floral scent of jasmine—thanks to a selection of cognac essences (eaux-de-vie) aged for up to 20 years.
Sipping it reveals bold flavors such as dried and candied fruits, ending with an intense finish. It’s complex, but balanced. It pairs well with sweets, just as it does with pork. It represents harmony, which is exactly what you want to enter the New Year with. And with almost 300 years of heritage behind the label, Rémy Martin CLUB also embodies the stability that you seek for the year of the dog. Even the bottle has eight sides, as a nod to the luckiest number in Chinese tradition.
When the clock strikes 12, make sure all elements are in place—lucky food on the table, and a bold statement in your glass for good measure. Cheers to the New Year!