The Chinese Year of the Rat begins on February 7, 2008. Although I've lived in the United States for many years, I still hold to Chinese New Year traditions and host a party each year. After all the hubbub of the Western holidays has faded, it's nice to have one more chance to gather with friends and family to enjoy good company, well-wishing, and—most of all—a delicious feast.

Food is integral to a healthy, happy new year in Chinese tradition, and certain foods are considered especially auspicious: Chicken stands for prosperity and joy, while dumplings represent togetherness and heavenly blessings. Pork and beef symbolize wealth and strength, while vegetables and tofu bring harmony and prosperity. Noodles stand for a long, happy life, while shrimp represents happiness and good fortune. A whole fish symbolizes surplus and prosperity, and sweet rice cake brings safety, good fortune, and a sweet New Year.

I try to include most of those foods in my New Year's celebration. But instead of working in the kitchen for days as my mother did, I enlist the help of guests. They may choose to bring a dish like the ones featured here, or they can pitch in to help make dumplings—a customary social warm-up for the feast to come.

Chinese New Year's Feast for Eight

Serve all or part of this menu to celebrate the Year of the Rat. Just make sure you serve an even number of dishes—an odd number is considered bad luck.

Chicken-Ginseng Soup
Vegetarians' Delight
Orange-Ginger Shrimp Skewers
New Year's Dumpling Delight
Lion's Head Meatballs in Spicy Coconut Sauce
Longevity Noodles
Steamed Fish with Ginger-Wine Sauce
New Year's Rice Cake