If you celebrate Chinese New Year with a local family, chances are dumplings will appear on the table. But why dumplings? To many, they‘re more than just tasty comfort food — they carry centuries of symbolism about wealth, reunion, and fresh beginnings.
Here‘s your step-by-step guide to understanding dumplings at Spring Festival.
1.Dumplings Look Like Gold Ingots
In ancient China, money wasn‘t coins or bills, but gold and silver ingots (元宝, Yuán bǎo). Dumplings, with their half-moon shape, look just like them. Eating dumplings on New Year‘s Eve is believed to bring wealth and prosperity for the year ahead.
Useful Phrases:
Yuán bǎo jiǎo zi
元宝饺子
Gold ingot dumplings
Chī jiǎo zi yǒu cái yùn
吃饺子有财运
Eating dumplings brings fortune
2.A Family Tradition of Making Together
In many families, everyone gathers on New Year‘s Eve to wrap dumplings. It‘s not just about the food — it‘s about family bonding. Parents, grandparents, and children sit around the table, laughing, talking, and shaping dumplings together.
Useful Phrases:
Bāo jiǎo zi
包饺子
Wrap dumplings
Quán jiā yī qǐ bāo jiǎo zi
全家一起包饺子
The whole family makes dumplings together
3.Hidden Surprises Inside Dumplings
Some families put a coin, candy, or peanut inside a dumpling. Whoever bites into it is said to have extra good luck, sweetness, or longevity in the new year. It adds fun and anticipation to the meal.
Useful Phrases:
Fàng yī gè yìng bì
放一个硬币
Put a coin inside
Chī dào yǒu yùn qì
吃到有运气
Eating it means good luck
Celebrate New Year with Dumplings and Good Fortune
Dumplings are not just food — they are a cultural symbol of wealth, family unity, and blessings for the year ahead. By learning a few simple phrases and joining the tradition, you can experience Chinese New Year like a local, not just as a guest.
At eChineseLearning, our native teachers help you go beyond textbooks. From dumplings to dragon dances, we teach you the real language and culture you’ll need to join in Chinese celebrations with confidence.
Try your first free 1-on-1 trial class with a live native Chinese teacher today and get hands-on practice with the phrases you‘ll actually need!
Quiz:On Chinese New Year‘s Eve, why do people eat dumplings?
A. Because dumplings are quick and easy to cook
B. Because dumplings look like ancient gold ingots
C. Because dumplings taste better in winter
? Comment your answer below!
✅ Correct Answer: B. Because dumplings look like ancient gold ingots
✔️ This is the symbolic reason tied to wealth and prosperity.
❌ A is true but not cultural.
❌ C is tasty but not the main meaning.