When you think of Lunar New Year fare, you automatically think of tangerines, sweets and hairy seaweed. These are just as common in the Chinese home as are turkey, pies and fruit cake in Western homes at Christmas.
And just as you'd be hard-pressed to find a Brit, American or Aussie who could tell you why he eats those foods on December 25, the average Chinese (especially the younger generations) are unlikely to be able to explain why they eat traditional New Year offerings.
But one thing is certain - it's not a time when culinary traditions are broken. Certain foods are always eaten, although the method of preparation is left to the family cook to decide on.
Third-generation Chinese in England, the United States and South Africa still consume the same New Year fare as their cousins in China and Hong Kong. The foods are eaten for their symbolism, though frequently the original meaning has long been forgotten.
On the eve of Lunar New Year, the whole family gathers to eat tong yuen. These glutinous rice-flour balls, which should be perfectly round, symbolise perfection and the continuing cycle of life. It is believed they will unite the family and help harmonious relationships continue.
All things sweet are eaten to excess in a bid to bring sweetness in the coming year. People visiting friends and relatives bring candies and cookies as gifts. Families set out displays of sweets and chocolates, and fruit and vegetables which have been dried and candied. These are nibbled throughout the holiday period.