Everyday Life
Does finishing or turning over the New Year’s Eve fish bring bad luck?
English translation draft · Based on the Chinese article. This is not a word-for-word translation approved by Master Shengyuan.
Finishing the fish or accidentally turning it over does not by itself bring bad luck. Chinese wordplay between fish and surplus makes leaving some express hope for abundance next year. To retain that intention, leave some at reunion dinner and finish it the following day without wasting food.
The taboo against turning fish relates to earlier fishing and seafaring families’ fear of capsizing. Some families retain it while practices change. I have finished the fish before without specifically comparing consequences. Not knowing the custom or accidentally turning it over need not frighten you.
Long-life greens symbolize longevity, dumplings resemble ingots, and radish carries auspicious wordplay. These foods express blessings. Knowing the meanings enriches dinner without making every eating rule determine the entire year.