🍬 Why do Chinese New Year candy plates always include melon seeds? Let's find out!

Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional festivals for Chinese people. Every household prepares a candy tray, filled with a variety of candies and snacks, symbolizing the joy of entertaining friends and family. Among these, the most common, almost essential, ingredient is sunflower seeds ! But why are sunflower seeds a must-have on any New Year candy tray? Today, we'll break down the history, meaning, and cultural heritage of sunflower seeds to fully understand the profound meaning behind this small snack!

📜 The history of melon seeds

Melon seeds primarily refer to sunflower seeds, but traditionally also include watermelon seeds and pumpkin seeds. As early as the Qing Dynasty, people roasted melon seeds as a snack. Because they are easy to store and share, they gradually became a popular snack at New Year's gatherings.

🌱 The symbolic meaning of melon seeds

Although small, melon seeds hold a profound meaning, which is why they are so indispensable in New Year candy dishes:

• Many children and grandchildren👶 : Melon seeds come from melon fruits. The melon flesh itself is full of seeds, which symbolizes "a house full of children and grandchildren" and implies a prosperous family.
• Endless Life🌿 : Each melon seed represents continuation and reproduction, blessing the family to be passed down from generation to generation.
• Wealth and prosperity💰 : Melon seeds are shaped like silver coins, and plates full of them symbolize wealth and prosperity.
• Lively sharing🎉 : Friends and family gather together, chatting and eating sunflower seeds, the atmosphere is naturally lively and harmonious.

🍉 Types and characteristics of melon seeds

There are many types of melon seeds in the New Year candy dish. Common ones include:

• Watermelon seeds : the most common traditional ones, with black shell and crispy taste.
• Sunflower seeds : They have a light and fragrant taste and are most popular among young people.
• Pumpkin seeds : Large and rich in flavor, they symbolize a bountiful harvest.
• Flavored sunflower seeds : such as five-spice, cream, and caramel flavors, catering to the taste needs of modern people.

🧧 The relationship between melon seeds and New Year candy plates

A full New Year candy plate (or a full box) is usually divided into six or eight compartments, symbolizing "six sixes of good luck" or "eight eights of prosperity." Melon seeds are often placed in one of the compartments, or even become the star of the entire plate:

• A must-have for entertaining guests : Melon seeds are easy to eat and are perfect for chatting with friends and family when visiting each other during the New Year.
• Paired with other candies : can be placed together with candied lotus seeds (for continuous birth of sons), candied shredded coconut (for a complete beginning and end), and candied winter melon (for continuous success) to complete the meaning.
• Visual effect : Black or white melon seeds set against red candies, creating a vibrant and festive look.

🎊 Creating a festive atmosphere

Melon seeds have a special "atmosphere" during the Chinese New Year:

• Eating melon seeds, playing mahjong or watching TV is the most relaxing time during the Chinese New Year.
• Adults and children gathered together to share, not only eating melon seeds, but also sharing happiness and blessings.
• The table is piled with melon seed shells, which actually represents "the more you eat, the more prosperous you will be", which is really festive!

😋 Editor's thoughts

I think sunflower seeds are a Chinese New Year essential! Whether you're looking to satisfy a craving or simply pass the time, sunflower seeds are the perfect companion. The happiest moment is the family sitting in the living room, cracking sunflower seeds and chatting. That "lively feeling" is truly irreplaceable. My biggest dread every year is getting sore from cracking them, only to end up with a plate of sunflower seeds and drying them in the blink of an eye!

🎉 Summary

Sunflower seeds are a must-have on any New Year's candy plate. Not only are they the king of snacks, but they also carry the auspicious symbols of "many children and grandchildren , " "endless prosperity," and "flourishing wealth." Sunflower seeds bring families and friends together, bringing joy and happiness, making them a crucial part of the New Year atmosphere.

👉 I'd like to ask everyone: What's your favorite Chinese New Year melon seed? Are they traditional watermelon seeds or something innovative?