For this week’s comic strip in the lunar new year special edition of the Sampan Newspaper, I wanted to look closer at the symbolism of food. In the strip, I’ve illustrated the dishes that define this time of year for my family. Some of their meanings:
- The Whole Fish: A reminder to always leave a little surplus, ensuring we never run dry.
- The Dumplings: Wrapped like gold ingots, a tangible way to “consume” the idea of prosperity.
- The Noodles: We’re careful not to break them, a small, superstitious act to protect the length of our lives.
And, as we are stepping into the Year of the Fire Horse, let’s feel the warmth of the Fire Horse melting all the bad things away. It’s a thaw. It’s the idea that, with enough warmth and the right mindset, the “ICE” of last year finally turns to water and clears the path forward.