T'ang Court's double boiled sea whelk and fish-maw with chicken, ham and dried barbary wolf-berry fruit soup. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Spring rolls (chunjuan) got their name because they are traditionally eaten during the Spring Festival. These Cantonese dim sum cylinders are filled with vegetables, meat or something sweet. The fact that fried spring rolls look like gold bars makes eating them a wish for prosperity.

Niangao are glutinous rice cakes made from sticky rice, sugar, chestnuts, Chinese dates and lotus leaves. Tangyuan or sweet rice balls are similarly popular at this time. The pronunciation and round shape of tangyuan are associated with reunion and being together, an important aspect of the New Year celebrations. In China's north, longevity noodles－longer than normal noodles and uncut－symbolize the eater's life.

Tangerines, oranges and pomelos offer a roundness and "golden" color that symbolizes fullness and wealth. In another audio omen, the Chinese for orange (cheng) sounds the same as the Chinese for 'success'.

The New Year would not be complete without homemade puddings. These desserts bring good luck and satisfy sweet and salty cravings. Festive flavors include turnip with preserved meat and taro pudding filled with conpoy and dried shrimp. Such puddings make popular gifts at this time.

Contact the writer at michaelpeters@chinadaily.com.cn