Chocolate for the Chinese New Year

This week kicks off the Chinese New Year – Feb. 3, 2011 – or year 4708 according to the Chinese calendar.

Giving gifts of chocolate is not a major part of the Chinese New Year, but it is a growing activity.

Traditionally, red envelopes or red packets filled with money are passed out during the celebrations.  These days, you may find chocolate coins in addition to cash inside the packets.

Small gifts of food or sweets are exchanged between friends or relatives when visiting their homes.  Chocolate candies or cakes are becoming popular gifts during these visits.

Firecrackers are symbolic of the Chinese New Year.  I did not find it surprising to see these Chocolate Firecrackers for sale online.  These are red metal tubes shaped as firecrackers with tiny chocolate candies inside. 

From what I've read they look much better than they taste since the chocolates are made with a “chocolate cocoa substitute"!

Bryn Kirk

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *