The reason milkfish is a Chinese New Year dish is its philosophy

Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Chinese New Year celebrations are the moment most eagerly awaited by people of Chinese descent throughout the world.

Apart from the tradition of sharing red packets, wearing red clothes and ornaments, and celebrating various activities lively, one of the things that is most synonymous with Chinese New Year is the fish menu.

For most people of Chinese descent, fish is one of the menus that must be served during Chinese New Year celebrations. In Indonesia, the type of fish that is popularly served is milkfish.

So, why is fish always present on the Chinese New Year menu?

Launching from China Highlightsin Chinese “fish” is referred to as “Yú” or “Yoo” which sounds similar to the meaning of the words surplus, abundance, or excess.

This fish, which is usually used as a traditional dish on the Chinese New Year dinner menu, is expected to bring a “surplus” to the family. Therefore, fish is always eaten in the hope that it will provide abundant fortune in the following year.

Before eating fish, Chinese families are advised to say “Niánnián yǒu yú'” or “Nyen-nyen yo yoo” which means “May you always get more than you expect!”

However, the fish that must be served and eaten so that it can bring good luck cannot be done carelessly. There are certain types of fish that Chinese families must pay attention to. Typically, fish are selected based on favorable homophonics.

So, what types of fish can be served as a menu during Chinese New Year?

1. Fish Mud Carp (Milkfish)

In Chinese, milkfish or mud carp is “Liyú” or “Lee-yoo” which sounds like “Li” or “Lee” which means “Gift”.

Thus, consuming milkfish during Chinese New Year is believed to symbolize hope for good luck.

2. Fish Crucian Carp (Goldfish)

In Chinese, goldfish are called “Jìyú” or “Jee-yoo” which sounds like “Jí” or “Jee” which means “Good luck”.

Therefore, goldfish is one of the mainstay menus of Chinese people during Chinese New Year because it is believed to bring good luck for the following year.

3. Catfish

“Niányú” or “Nyen-yoo” which means catfish in Chinese sounds like “Nián yú” which means “Surprise year”. Therefore, catfish is often the choice because it is hoped that it can provide a surplus or abundance of sustenance for the family.

[Gambas:Video CNBC]

(hsy/hsy)