The problem comes from eating your surplus, leaving the family with nothing. Often a spoiled fish is cooked in a spectacular fashion, as a showpiece only, not meant to be eaten. Sometimes a fish carved from wood is sauced to represent the fish course. Certain dishes are always included in the mix. Angel hair seaweed is for bringing prosperity, as is Yu Sheng Salad.
Prawns are for liveliness and happiness.
New Year or Pudding Cake is to ensure good luck with high hopes for the coming year. Sugar cane is often consumed after the meal while sitting around the fire. The leftover pulp is thrown on top of the coals to insulate them. TV features nonstop programming devoted solely to events of the eve, with the Chinese version of Dick Clark manning the helm for the countdown. The windows are all thrown open to release bad spirits and allow good ones easy access.