Lunar New Year is one of my favorite times of the year, and one tradition I’ve kept going from my mom is the candy tray—also known as the tray of togetherness. If you’ve never heard of it before, it’s basically a festive candy box, usually with a lid, and it’s divided into either six or eight compartments. Why those numbers? Well, six represents luck, and eight is all about fortune—pretty good vibes to kick off the new year especially during these times, don’t you think?
When I was a kid, my mom would fill the tray with an assortment of traditional Lunar New Year treats. Think dried or candied winter melon strips, lotus roots, coconut ribbons, watermelon seeds, nuts, White Rabbit candies (a classic!), and Sugus chewy candies. The idea was to have something sweet and meaningful to offer guests. Since Lunar New Year is all about welcoming family and friends, the candy tray symbolizes sweetness, good fortune, and luck. It’s like an edible way of saying, “Here’s to a sweet year ahead!”
Fast forward to today, and my husband and I have put our own spin on this tradition. Instead of the traditional sweets, we fill our tray with our favorite candies. We like to keep the colors festive, so we go for reds (hello, Twizzlers, cherry and watermelon Starbursts) and yellows (M&Ms and Skittles) to match the holiday’s lucky color scheme. We even toss in some Mounds bars as a playful nod to the coconut ribbons and chocolate coins from my childhood.
What I love about the tray of togetherness is that it’s so flexible. You can stick with the classics, mix in modern treats, or get creative and go all out with your personal favorites. It’s your tray, your rules! Whether you’re sharing it with guests or just enjoying it with your family, the spirit of the tradition is what matters most.
So, if you’re thinking about starting your own Lunar New Year candy tray, don’t stress about making it “perfect.” Have fun with it! Add a mix of flavors, colors, and textures that make you happy. It’s all about sharing sweetness, creating memories, and spreading those good vibes for the year ahead. Cheers to a sweet and lucky Lunar New Year of the Snake!