Celebrating the Lunar New Year: The Gentle Sweetness of Candied Winter Melon and the Beauty of Washi‑Zome Ceramics

February 17 marks the Lunar New Year, a celebration deeply rooted in many Asian cultures.
While Japan no longer observes the Lunar New Year as widely as it once did, countries such as Taiwan, China, Singapore, and Vietnam still welcome this season with vibrant traditions, festive foods, and gatherings filled with warmth. The beginning of the Lunar New Year is more than just a date—it is a moment when families pause, reconnect, and wish for happiness in the year ahead.

The date of the Lunar New Year changes every year because it follows the traditional lunisolar calendar.
It falls on the new moon just before Usui, one of the 24 solar terms that mark seasonal transitions in East Asia. This connection to natural rhythms gives the celebration a quiet, grounding quality—one that feels especially meaningful in our fast‑paced modern lives.

A Traditional Taiwanese Sweet: Candied Winter Melon

Among the many foods enjoyed during the Lunar New Year, candied winter melon—known as dong gua tang in Taiwan—is a beloved treat.
Made by slowly simmering winter melon in sugar and allowing it to dry, this confection has a crisp, sugary exterior and a soft, translucent interior. The sweetness is gentle rather than overwhelming, making it a perfect companion to a cup of hot tea.

In Taiwanese culture, eating sweets during the Lunar New Year symbolizes the wish for a “sweet year ahead.”
Sharing candied winter melon with family and friends is a way of spreading good fortune and inviting happiness into the home. It is a simple gesture, yet one filled with meaning—proof that food can carry hopes, blessings, and cultural memory.

The Quiet Beauty of Washi‑Zome Ceramics

To serve the candied winter melon, I chose a plate crafted by Japanese ceramic artist Yoko Katō, known for her delicate washi‑zome technique.
Washi‑zome involves transferring patterns and colors from dyed washi paper onto the ceramic surface. The result is a soft, hand‑dyed appearance with subtle textures and gentle variations—something that can only be achieved through meticulous handwork.

The floral pattern on the plate’s rim feels both nostalgic and modern.
Its muted colors and organic shapes bring a sense of calm to the table, while the slightly rustic glaze adds warmth and character. This is the kind of tableware that doesn’t overpower the food but instead enhances it, creating a harmonious balance between craft and cuisine.

One of the greatest strengths of washi‑zome ceramics is their versatility.
Whether you place traditional sweets like candied winter melon, Western pastries, or everyday side dishes, the plate quietly elevates whatever it holds. It photographs beautifully, yet it is also practical for daily use—an ideal blend of artistry and functionality.

When Food and Craft Carry Wishes

Just as the Lunar New Year foods carry symbolic meaning, handcrafted ceramics also hold the spirit of the maker.

The floral motifs on this washi‑zome plate seem to echo the gentle arrival of spring, while the soft colors evoke a sense of peace. When paired with a traditional sweet that symbolizes good fortune, the table becomes more than a place to eat—it becomes a space for reflection and gratitude.

Sharing candied winter melon on a beautiful plate may seem like a small act, but it creates a moment of connection.
It invites us to slow down, savor the sweetness, and quietly hope for a year filled with kindness. Even if we do not celebrate the Lunar New Year in our daily lives, embracing these small rituals can bring a sense of grounding and joy.

Bringing the Lunar New Year Into Everyday Life

Although Japan no longer celebrates the Lunar New Year widely, incorporating elements of the season—such as traditional sweets or handcrafted tableware—can enrich our everyday routines.

Candied winter melon offers a gentle sweetness that pairs beautifully with tea, while washi‑zome ceramics bring a soft elegance to the table. Together, they create a moment of calm that feels both seasonal and timeless.

As the Lunar New Year begins, why not enjoy a quiet tea time with a few pieces of candied winter melon?
Let the sweetness symbolize your hopes for the year ahead, and let the beauty of handcrafted ceramics remind you of the small joys that enrich daily life.
A simple plate, a traditional sweet, and a heartfelt wish—sometimes that is all we need to welcome a new beginning.

If you're interested in this dish, check it out here .