The story of Fortune Cookies and the little messages inside them | The Times of India (2024)

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01/4Fortune Cookies: The symbol of luck and wisdom

The story of Fortune Cookies and the little messages inside them | The Times of India (1)The story of Fortune Cookies and the little messages inside them | The Times of India (2)

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Prepared with flour, oil, sugar and vanilla, fortune cookies are sweet and crispy cookies that consist of a small piece of paper that carries a prophecy or message. The exact origin of the fortune cookies is still not known but it is believed that they might have been made by Japanese immigrants in the United States. This time period refers to the time between the 19th and 20th century. Fortune cookies are often served as desserts in Chinese restaurants as well as the restaurants in the United States. In China fortune cookies are referred to in many terms such as “good luck cookie”, “cookie with fortune words” and “good luck biscuit etc. Fortune cookies are a bit different than regular confectionery because they are not just meant for eating but also have significance. They often symbolize luck, fate and wisdom.

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02/4The messages inside them

Earlier, the usual fortune cookie consisted of a small message on a paper, which mostly was a phrase in Chinese but nowadays that can be small and positive advices and messages. Sometimes, they also consisted of some numbers that turned out to be very lucky for the people in lotteries. Some people take these messages seriously and believe that it’s a sign from the universe for them. A lot of people also try to collect these small messages if they end up relating to them. We are afraid that this sign from the universe might be a regular message printed by factories in bulk nowadays with hundreds of messages for millions of people. These messages on paper are inserted inside the cookies when baked but still warm. After the message is inserted, the cookies are closed and given their shape.

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03/4Journey of Fortune Cookies

The first cookie which was very similar to a fortune cookie was seen in Japan which was larger and darker than the usual fortune cookie. These cookies were known as ‘Tsujiura senbei’ and consisted of small slips of paper inside them. Fortune cookies were also known as ‘fortune tea cakes’ till the period of World War II. Till the 20th century, fortune cookies were prepared with hands and their unique shapes were also given by hand but the industry saw a dramatic change after Shuck Yee from California invented the machine for making fortune cookies. Fortune cookies are often associated with China because of their presence as a dessert in the country as well as their restaurants all around the world but this isn’t true.

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04/4How are these confectionery made?

The story of Fortune Cookies and the little messages inside them | The Times of India (9)

The story of Fortune Cookies and the little messages inside them | The Times of India (10)The story of Fortune Cookies and the little messages inside them | The Times of India (11)

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These cookies are made by first whipping egg whites, oil, vanilla essence and sugar till they become frothy. Then the flour is added and blended well with these ingredients. Small circles are spread on a baking tray and are baked until light golden from the edges. Once baked and still hot, small handwritten messages are placed and the circles are folded into half. Then the ends of the semicircle are curled towards each other using a chopstick or a long and thin stick. The cookies are left to cool down and maintain their shape. The fortune cookies can then be eaten or packed. One of the largest manufactures of fortune cookies is Wonton Food, Inc., whose headquarters are place in New York. On an estimate, around 3 billion of fortune cookies are manufactured every year out of which the majority part of it is consumed in the United States.

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The story of Fortune Cookies and the little messages inside them | The Times of India (12)

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The story of Fortune Cookies and the little messages inside them  | The Times of India (2024)

FAQs

What is the story behind the fortune cookie? ›

The concept of message-stuffed pastry has supposedly endured through ages. Perhaps the most plausible story dates back to 1918 when, in Los Angeles, David Jung, founder of the Hong Kong Noodle Co., invented the fortune cookie as a sweet treat and encouraging word for unemployed men who gathered on the streets.

What does it mean if there is no message in fortune cookie? ›

There are two popular beliefs about what an empty fortune cookie means but don't worry, both are good. The first is that you will soon have something good happen to you. The reasoning behind this is that you are now owed a fortune and it will be repaid to you with a good event.

What do fortune cookies symbolize? ›

In China fortune cookies are referred to in many terms such as “good luck cookie”, “cookie with fortune words” and “good luck biscuit etc. Fortune cookies are a bit different than regular confectionery because they are not just meant for eating but also have significance. They often symbolize luck, fate and wisdom.

What thought or message would you want to put in a fortune cookie? ›

Fortune Cookie Sayings
  • Do not be afraid of competition.
  • An exciting opportunity lies ahead of you.
  • You love peace.
  • Get your mind set… ...
  • You will always be surrounded by true friends.
  • Sell your ideas-they have exceptional merit.
  • You should be able to undertake and complete anything.
  • You are kind and friendly.

What happened to the fortunes in fortune cookies? ›

Simply put, they no longer tell fortunes because the family-run companies that dominate this business cannot keep up with demand. Yet that doesn't spoil the fun of fortune cookies. Some companies create "adult" messages, and a few allow patrons to create their own fortunes.

What is the fortune inside cookie? ›

A fortune cookie is a crisp and sugary cookie wafer made from flour, sugar, vanilla, and sesame seed oil with a piece of paper inside, a "fortune", an aphorism, or a vague prophecy. The message inside may also include a Chinese phrase with translation and/or a list of lucky numbers used by some as lottery numbers.

Do Japanese eat fortune cookies? ›

While many Americans associate these fortune cookies with Chinese restaurants—and by extension, Chinese culture—they are actually more readily traceable to 19th-century Japan and 20th-century America.

Do fortune cookies come true? ›

As for predicting the future, no, fortune cookies don't have special powers of foresight. The fortune cookie you open at a Chinese restaurant came into your hands randomly. If it happens to contain a fortune that comes true, it's just coincidence. Besides, many fortunes don't even predict the future.

What is the superstition about fortune cookies? ›

There are many superstitions when it comes to eating fortune cookies. Some people claim that you must eat the whole cookie in order for the fortune to come true or, if the fortune is ill fated, that you cannot eat any of the cookie or the bad fortune will come true.

How do they put messages in fortune cookies? ›

Answer. The cookies are baked as flat circles. After they are removed from the oven, slips of paper are folded inside while the cookies are still warm and flexible. As the fortune cookies cool, they harden into shape.

Who comes up with fortune cookie messages? ›

A fortune cookie writer composes the words printed on the slips of paper contained inside of fortune cookies. Restaurant patrons often receive fortune cookies when they dine in or order takeout from a Chinese restaurant.

Why do we eat fortune cookies? ›

Although no one knows for sure, most folks agree that the fortune cookies we eat today are a relative of traditional wafers from ancient Japan. Back in the days when everything was made by hand, these traditional treats were produced by bakeries for special occasions and holidays.

Are you supposed to read your fortune before you eat the cookie? ›

THE instructions on the red wrapper are very explicit: (1) Open the packaging. (2) Use both hands to break open the fortune cookie. (3) Retrieve and read the fortune. (4) Eat the cookie.

What does it mean when you rip your fortune cookie? ›

If you rip your fortune, it will not come true. 4.) You have to keep the fortune for it to come true.

What are the lucky numbers on a fortune cookie? ›

This will give you a better chance at winning the lottery

The six numbers in FORTUNE COOKIES associated with the most winners are: 4, 14, 15, 22, 26 and 28.

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