We missed the new year deadline to move in to our new place, but realised later that we could make it for the Lunar New Year, so we worked tirelessly in January to speed up the renovations, and here we are! Yes, I'm writing to you from our new home! Hello, yoo-hoo, are you getting the signals from here?

I'm not known to be superstitious but I do enjoy the significance of some symbolism in life. On the day we moved in, mandarin oranges were rolled into the house from the front door. Citrus fruits symbolize prosperity in Chinese culture, and the intention of this custom is obviously to encourage the flow of fortune into a new household. Oh, and we are not to sweep the floor on the first day of Chinese New Year lest we chase away good luck. These are some of the traditions I grew up with, and over the years, I've questioned some, neglected some and made some my own.

Mandarin oranges are called "kam" in Cantonese, which sounds similar to the word gold, making them a very important fruit during Chinese New Year for eating and gifting. I'm missing out on the festive feasting back home in Malaysia, a tradition I try to show up for every year, and this colorful salad recipe is my way of creating our own food tradition for the occasion.