Chinese New Year Fish Tradition

Nationality: Chinese American
Age: 22
Occupation: Student
Residence: Georgia
Performance Date: 4/25/17
Primary Language: English
Language: Mandarin

The interview will be depicted by initials. The Interviewer is QB and the interviewee is CH.

 

QB: So what was this superstition you were talking about?

 

CH: Um…its really simple actually. On Chinese New Years, we eat a whole steamed fish, including the head to symbolize the circle of life…I think it’s the circle of life.

 

Analysis: There are many rituals and superstitions for the Chinese New Year, many of which may seem bizarre to Americans. However, this one the student seemed eager to share and proud that the family utilized all of the fish on the evening. Even though it was to support the circle of life, the student seemed more impressed that they used all of the fish rather than the meaning.