Spring Festival dishes

[Photo/Xinhua]

Spring rolls symbolize wealth, because their shape is similar to gold bars. Fish also plays a large role in festive celebrations. The Chinese word for fish, "yu", sounds like the words for wealth, abundance and happiness. As a result, on New Year's Eve it is customary to serve a fish at the end of the dinner, symbolizing surplus and prosperity in the coming year. The fish is served whole, with head and tail attached, symbolizing a good beginning and ending for the coming year.