GOOD FORTUNE
Traditionally , families gather on Lunar New Year ’ s Eve for a reunion dinner . It is the most important meal of the year . Noodles are eaten for long life ; dumplings , shaped like ancient Chinese money , represent wealth and prosperity ; spring rolls , a traditional food of the Spring Festival , are said to look like gold bars ; lettuce wraps are eaten because they play on the Chinese word for “ fortune ” which is also the word for “ lettuce ;” and large , golden fruits like tangerines , oranges , and pomelos symbolize fullness and wealth .
62 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE