Chinese New Year in the Philippines

Culture is an ambiguous concept but, however understood, it relates to identity and belonging.   I have always had a huge interest in cultures with long history and traditions. China enjoys a rich culture, and with thousand years of development, Chinese culture is one of the most influential cultures in the world.   Chinese people influence and hold on to their culture wherever they migrate to, I have learned this during my travel to the Philippines last year in February. The biggest influence of the Chinese culture in the Philippines is the celebration of Chinese New Year or the Lunar year. From the red envelopes hanging on top of their gates, dragon dancers,   to the fireworks, Food plays a major role in Chinese New year. Filipino- Chinese people gather around to eat at this time of the year and certain foods are eaten during this time as it symbolizes good tidings. The most popular food to eat is “Tikoy” also known as Nian Gao or Chinese New Year cake.   This is a treat made of sticky rice usually given as a present and only sold in stores at this time of the year. Nian Gao, derived from the chinese word “Nian”, meaning   sticky and “Gao” means cake, nián which has a similar sound to “nian” means year and “gāo” has a similar soud to gao which   means higher. This is a homonym for   “a higher year” .   Thus, eating this cake implies properity, good luck and raising oneself higher for each coming year. Chinese people also believe that if Nian Gao is eaten one week before the Spring Festival begins,   one will have luck for the years to come.   This dish is easy to make and may not be considered as an extravagant food, but it has a lot of meaning and significance to the event.
There has been a significant Chinese presence in the Philippines even before the Spaniards arrived in the 15th century. Chinese Filipinos currently number four million, making up five percent of the Philippine population.   Along with them, they brought Chinese customs and culture and festivities-...