The hundreds of years of history of the multi-compartment tray of jam for Tet

Chinese New Year or Spring Festival is the most important event of the year in many Asian countries, including China. People in this country believe that eating certain foods during the New Year will bring good luck and blessings. Chuen hup was created with the purpose of containing all the foods that symbolize these good meanings. This tradition is said to have started during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Photo illustration: Cathay Airlines

In the middle of traditional chuen hup boxes are usually roasted seeds such as pumpkin seeds, melon seeds, etc. Chinese people believe that eating these seeds means they are "accumulating wealth".

"We produce about 70 to 80 tons of nuts a year, and usually 50 tons of them are sold during the Lunar New Year," Bao Yiu-wah, owner of Shanghai Luk Kam Kee, Hong Kong's most famous nut shop, told CNN Travel .

Surrounding the central seed tray, the chuen hup typically has eight compartments (in Chinese, the number 8 is pronounced as 'bowl', which sounds like 'phat', meaning prosperity and wealth) filled with lotus root, lotus seeds, squash, sliced ​​carrots, dried tangerines/kumquats, pistachios, shredded coconut, and coconut jam. All are considered "lucky symbols" based on their pronunciation or spelling.

For example, the word for coconut (yē zi) in Chinese sounds similar to the words for “grandfather” (yē) and “child” (zi), so both coconut jam and shredded coconut displayed in the chuen hup symbolize the strong relationship of a large, multi-generational family.

Nowadays, the gifts displayed in the market are increasingly diverse and no longer limited. Illustration: Lifestyle Asia

Meanwhile, bright orange slices of dried carrots or tangerines/kumquats represent wealth and prosperity, as their names and colors are related to gold. This is also the reason why they are often included in Tet decorations.

In many parts of China, dried lotus root symbolizes luck, love, and the wish to find a partner in the new year.

The meaning of lotus seeds is "many children and grandchildren". The squash has a wide stem, symbolizing a good beginning and ending, and a smooth year.

Pistachios (also known as “happy nuts”) are also very popular because they look like they are smiling, bringing positive energy.

Illustration photo: SCMP

Today's chuen hup boxes are more diverse, no longer bound by traditional gifts. They can have more compartments or contain new types of confectionery such as macarons, cookies or chocolates,... reflecting the mark of international integration.

However, the joy of gathering together to enjoy delicious food in a chuen hup on the first days of the new year remains unchanged over the years.

Vietnamnet.vn

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/lich-su-hang-tram-nam-cua-khay-mut-nhieu-ngan-ngay-tet-2365336.html