Ancient Chinese Culture

The Chinese，the character for fish is pronounced the same as the Chinese character for “abundance” or “surplus”.  Therefore, the fish symbol is frequently associated with other symbols and Chinese characters to symbolize the wish for “more” in the sense of “more” good luck, good fortune, long life and children. Despite being an ancient symbol, it is still often found in modern-day Chinese culture. For example, although the Chinese are just as likely to visit money-saving websites like lovemoney.com in order to help get “more” from their finances, they might also display the fish symbol within their home, or even serve fish as part of a meal.

As a fish served whole is a symbol of prosperity, it is customary to serve the whole fish last at a banquet. It is also believed that eating fish will help the wishes come true in the next year. In Chinese culture, fish always painted with lotus and magpie to express the wish of having more happiness year after year. The fish represents “more”. The Chinese character for lotus means “in succession or one after another”. The magpie symbolizes happiness.

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5. Symbolism in Chinese Food