Chúshísì: A Hidden Gem of the Chinese New Year Festivities

As the Chinese New Year celebration progresses, many people focus on the grand festivities of the first few days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day. But true food lovers know that each day of the Lunar New Year has its own significance and customs—one of the lesser-known yet deeply cherished days is Chúshísì (初十四), the fourteenth day of the New Year.

Chúshísì is a day of preparation, anticipation, and, of course, indulgence. This day serves as the final warm-up before the Lantern Festival, and for many families, it’s a time to clean up, replenish supplies, and make one last round of delicious feasting before the grand finale. But let’s not mistake it for just a transition day—Chúshísì has its own flavors and meanings that deserve a celebration of their own.

The Feast Before the Feast

Food plays a crucial role in Chúshísì, and many families use this day to finish off leftover New Year’s delicacies while also preparing fresh dishes for the upcoming Lantern Festival. It’s a day when creativity in the kitchen shines—leftover braised meats, dumplings, and rice cakes (niángāo) are repurposed into innovative new dishes, ensuring that nothing goes to waste. Fried rice with lap cheong (Chinese sausage), stir-fried niángāo with fresh vegetables, and crispy scallion pancakes are just a few of the delights found on the table.

Stir-fried niángāo 

 

For seafood lovers, this is also an excellent day to enjoy fish, as the word for fish (鱼, yú) is a homophone for abundance (余, yú). Many families prepare a fresh fish dish, reinforcing wishes for prosperity and good fortune. A simple steamed fish with ginger and soy sauce is both elegant and symbolic, ensuring that the new year continues with wealth and harmony.

Steamed fish

 

The Sweetness of Preparation

Beyond savory dishes, Chúshísì is also a time to prepare sweet treats for the Lantern Festival. Families often start making tangyuan (汤圆), the glutinous rice balls that symbolize unity and togetherness. These chewy delights, often filled with black sesame paste, red bean, or peanut butter, are lovingly rolled by hand in preparation for the next day’s festivities. The act of making tangyuan together is just as important as eating them—it’s a way for families to bond, share laughter, and pass down culinary traditions.

 Tangyuan

 

A Day of Renewal and Reflection

While Chúshísì is heavily focused on food, it is also a day for reflection and preparation. Many families use this time to clean their homes again, getting rid of bad luck and making space for positive energy. Some even burn incense and offer prayers for continued prosperity in the new year.

So, while Chúshísì may not be as widely recognized as other Chinese New Year days, it holds a unique charm for those who appreciate the full spectrum of the holiday’s culinary and cultural traditions. If you’re a foodie like me, take this opportunity to savor the flavors, repurpose festive leftovers, and start preparing for the sweetness of the Lantern Festival ahead!