This is because in Chinese culture, long noodles are a symbol of long life.

这是因为在中国文化中，长长的面条是“长寿”的象征。

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The tradition is that the "birthday boy" or "birthday girl" should fill their mouth with as many long noodles as they can and then eat them.

传统是“男寿星”或“女寿星”应尽可能往嘴里塞满面条，然后吃掉它们。

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Chinese think long noodles symbolize longevity.

中国人认为长寿面象征着长寿。

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The noodles were an instant hit and before long were being exported to the Middle East and India, where the group has two factories.

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Long lines of people waited by stalls selling Namie yakisoba, the popular local dish of fried noodles that has become a symbol of the town's battle to survive.

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They were waiting for noodles to be cooked to order in vats of boiling water, and were prepared to wait a long time.

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