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In China, people tend to eat together, usually the host will serve some dishes with his or her own chopsticks to guests to show his or her hospitality. For Westerners it is quite acceptable to leave the food alone if you feel too awkward. There some other rules, that are suggested you follow to make your stay in China happier, though you will be forgiven if you have no knowledge of what they are.
• Never stick your chopsticks upright in the rice bowl, since that usually appears on the funeral and is deemed extremely impolite to the host and seniors present.
• Make sure the spout of the teapot is not facing anyone. The proper way is make it direct outward from the table.
• Don't tap on your bowl with your chopsticks, since that will be deemed insult to the host or the chef.
• Never try to turn a fish over and debone it yourself, since the separation of the fish skeleton from the lower half of the flesh will usually be performed by the host or a waiter. Superstitious people will deem bad luck will ensue and a fishing boat will capsize if you do so.
Food Symbolism
In China, foods are given particular meanings, so that in certain occasion
a type of food, can only be eaten by some specific individuals, or must be
eaten in specific occasion.
Usually, an honored guest will be served a snapper's head or shell to hail him and show warmly welcome in some districts.
Long noodle is the symbol of longevity in China, so that youngsters or seniors all will have a bowl of Long Life Noodle in the expectation of a healthy life.
In Central China, if a baby is born, his father will send Red Boiled Eggs to announce the news. An even number, usually six or eight Red Boiled Eggs with a black point dotted on one end will be delivered for a boy and an odd number, usually five or seven without black point for a girl.
Fish is always served to symbolize accumulations of prosperity and wealth
with the New Year's Eve meals.
There are other foods and snacks, which symbolize good wishes under special
circumstances. These include duck, chicken and melon seeds.
