This fifty-first meeting naturally has a CNY-related theme and which is all about celebration, connection and success (i.e., prosperity in the Chinese context. 🤗🤗🤗).
The horse ranks seventh of the 12 animals in the traditional Chinese zodiac, symbolising vitality, speed, independence and an unrestrained spirit. Courage, passion and a refusal to be confined are characteristics commonly associated with the horse.
As a result, a horse year is seen as a year of movement, pursuit and breakthrough. It favours action over hesitation, momentum over stasis, yet also carries connotations of volatility, outward expression and intensity.
Some Chinese metaphysics suggest that fire horse years – combining the dynamism of fire and the energy of the horse – tend to be marked by forceful change.
Whether one responds with composure and balance, or chooses to ride the crest of transformation, ultimately becomes a personal decision.
Yee sang (commonly referred to as "prosperity toss" in English) is a cultural tradition popular in Malaysia and refers to the act of mixing and tossing the raw fish (in our case, salmon) salad high in the air while shouting auspicious wishes to increase fortune for the coming year.
A must-have is fish and in this instance, it was steamed patin (commonly known in English as Silver Catfish) with chilli paste. That's because fish symbolizes prosperity, surplus and abundance (年年有余, nián nián yǒu yú); a wish to have more than enough wealth and fortune in the coming year. The word for fish (餘, yú) sounds like the word for surplus or abundance.
Another sine qua non is prawns. On the menu, it was listed as "pan-fried crystal prawns with fruits sauce". Prawns, in Cantonese, is 'ha' (蝦) which sounds similar to 'laughter'; therefore, it suggests a time of happiness.
Of course, a CNY dinner menu isn't complete without vegetables. And so, "steamed mix vegetables wrapped with beancurd skin" came to the table. It is said the greens signify spring, renewal, energy, progress, and wealth.
As well as a seafood-based soup – we opted out of the "traditional braised shark fin with crabmeat" because we oppose shark fishing – and "crispy roasted village chicken".
And not forgetting (fried) rice. In Chinese cuisine, rice is not merely a food item; it is a cultural symbol, a historical artifact, and a culinary cornerstone. It is served last as a final, practical "filler" to ensure satisfaction, while indicating abundance and long life.
Of course, two types of desserts were served at the closing.
So there you have it, the CNY dinner, which is becoming a club tradition. It is a communal affair, that is not only deeply rooted in customary practices, but social bonding that emphasizes togetherness, with shared platters served on a round table to symbolize unity.
Not forgetting our own established practice of making meaningful speeches that bind us together and which serves as a timely reminder of our collective values and common purpose.
No doubt you'll have noticed that this post is solely focussing on the lavish spread because it had received our seal of approval. In fact, I wouldn't be wrong to say that even the table groaned happily with the magnificent feast.
Besides, Chinese New Year revolves around food as it acts as a symbolic language for attracting luck, prosperity, and health while strengthening friendships through shared, intentional meals.
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