YOGYAKARTA - Chinese New Year celebrations are not only synonymous with barongsai, angpao, and red, but also with typical dishes that are full of meaning. One of the foods that are almost always present on the dinner table during Chinese New Year is bandeng fish.
Many people may wonder about the reason for the bandeng fish to be a Chinese New Year dish and why this tradition has lasted until now. The answer is not only about taste, but also philosophy, history, and a symbol of luck.
The Reason for Fish Bandeng to Be a Chinese New Year DishSymbol of Prosperity and Abundance
One of the reasons for the fish bandeng to be a Chinese New Year dish is its symbolic meaning. In Chinese culture, fish symbolizes prosperity and abundance. The word "fish" in Mandarin, namely yu, has the same pronunciation as the word "excess" or "surplus". Therefore, serving fish during Chinese New Year is believed to bring the hope of abundant wealth throughout the year.
The bandeng fish is chosen because of its large size and thick meat. This symbolizes a stable life, food sufficiency, and family well-being in the new year.
Chinese Peranakan traditions in Indonesia
In Indonesia, the reason for the bandeng fish to be a Chinese New Year dish is also closely related to the tradition of the Chinese Peranakan community. Since colonial times, bandeng fish is known as a high-value fish and is often given as a special gift during major celebrations, including Chinese New Year.
In the past, bandeng was only consumed by certain circles because the price was relatively expensive. Serving bandeng fish during Chinese New Year is a symbol of social status as well as a form of respect for family members and guests who come to visit.
The Meaning of Unity and Harmony of the Family
The bandeng fish is usually served whole, not cut into pieces before serving. This is not without reason. One of the reasons for the bandeng fish to be a Chinese New Year dish is the philosophy of wholeness. Whole fish symbolizes unity, harmony, and hope that the family will remain complete and harmonious throughout the year.
In the Chinese New Year tradition, food is not only understood as physical consumption, but also as prayers and hopes that are embodied in the form of a meal.
Strength and Ease of Processing
Apart from the symbolic factor, the reason for the bandeng fish to be a Chinese New Year dish is also related to practical aspects. Bandeng fish is known to have good durability if processed properly. Processed such as bandeng presto, bandeng bumbu kecap, or bandeng isi allows this fish to be served in large quantities and lasts longer.
This is very appropriate with the Chinese New Year tradition which often involves a large family gathering and lasts more than one day.
Taste that is accepted by all generations
The savory taste of the fish and its soft texture make it easy to accept by all ages. From children to the elderly, fish can be processed with various seasonings that suit the family's taste.
This is one of the reasons why bandeng fish is a universal Chinese New Year dish, because it is not only symbolic, but also delicious and flexible in processing.
Values of Culture that are Continuously Preserved
As time goes on, many Chinese New Year traditions undergo adjustments. However, bandeng fish is still maintained as a typical dish because of its strong cultural value. Serving bandeng fish is a way to honor the ancestors while continuing the tradition to the next generation.
By still presenting bandeng fish on the dining table, families also maintain cultural identity and strengthen the bond between family members.
Overall, the reason for the bandeng fish to be a Chinese New Year dish is not only related to taste or habit. Bandeng fish symbolizes prosperity, harmony, and hope for a better life in the new year. Supported by history, philosophy, and practicality in processing, bandeng fish has become an inseparable culinary symbol of Chinese New Year celebrations, especially in Indonesia. In addition, find out how to remove the bones of the bandeng fish easily and quickly
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