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also needs to be pointed toward elders or distinguished guests. Lastly, in Southern China, some people will only eat the middle part of the fish on the eve of the new year, then finish off the head and tail on the next day to symbolize completeness. No. 3: Longevity Noodle You might know that eating noodles on Chinese New Year means you’ll live a long life, but did you know that there’s a longevity noodle dish made with one single, continuous noodle? Eating it from beginning to end without breaking it is considered powerful good luck! No. 4: Glutinous Rice Balls This food is lucky during both the Lantern Festival and Chinese New Year, which is good news because it’s also delicious! Smooth, sticky rice balls are stuffed with sweet paste (usually red bean), brown sugar, or fruits and nuts and prepared by boiling until tender and sticky. Their round shape represents completeness and family reunion. No. 5: Spring Rolls Because these crispy rolls are often filled with fresh vegetables or springtime ingredients, people commonly enjoy them during the Spring Festival, but they can be enjoyed during Chinese New Year, as well. They represent wealth, treasure, and making a fresh start.
Although these are not dishes, lucky Chinese numbers include 3, 5, and 8. The Chinese word for “3” sounds like the same word for “to live” or “life” and refers to the three significant events of life (birth, marriage, death). Five can be associated with the five elements in Chinese philosophy (earth, wood, fire, water, metal) and is historically associated with the emperor of China. Eight is an auspicious number that sounds like the Chinese word “to prosper” and is exceptionally lucky. If you can incorporate these numbers into your meal (eight side dishes, three entrees, and five desserts) then you’re in for an extraordinary year! Good luck, and we hope you enjoy some of these delicious dishes.
3 REASONS THE CONSTITUTION EXISTS The Value of the Constitution
The Erie Canal Within the Articles of Confederation, each state managed the territory that lies within their state lines. George Washington wanted to use the Erie Canal as a form of transportation but couldn’t because the canal was in New York territory. He needed permission from New York in order to use the canal. But with the development of the Constitution, the Erie
Within the Articles of Confederation, Congress didn’t have the power to enforce laws and was only allowed to collect funds from each state. State governments held the majority, which made the federal government weaker. This led to states fighting over territory, war pensions, and taxation, all of which could potentially destroy the country.
These issues led to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, which helped create the Constitution that we have today. You might be surprised to learn that a body of water — and other concerns — helped draft the document.
Canal was managed by the federal government. Washington could then use the canal as a form of transportation into the rest of the continent. No Judiciary or Executive Branch There was only one branch for Congress, and each state had one vote in order to get laws passed. If Congress wanted to pass any laws, they needed 9 out of 13 states in order to approve it. Requiring this high majority made it difficult to pass any legislation. The
Separate State Currencies Unlike today, the Confederation Period didn’t have a common currency. The federal government and the states had separate money. This separation made trade between states and other countries extremely difficult. Due to different
Constitution divided the government into branches and gave certain powers to each branch, known as checks and balances.
currencies, Congress couldn’t print out money for the entire country to use. Fortunately, the Constitution established a common currency for all states and also allowed Congress to coin money and regulate its value.
The first attempt at a constitution — the Articles of Confederation — failed, but with some adjustments and ratifications, the Constitutional Convention created the document we still use today.
2 • www.TheSotoLawGroup.com
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