It is certainly Children's Day, but that isn't the reason for the holiday. Children's Day (June 1st) isn't a public holiday in China, although parents and grandparents will spoil their brats rotten on that day - toy shops make a killing.
The reason for the holiday is because it is, coincidentally, this year, also the Dragon Boat Festival (aka Duanwu Festival). This is held on the 5th day of the 5th month of the old Chinese solar/lunar calendar and Monday is a public holiday. It is one of China's most important festivals.
But your food. Odd meal.
How was the goose cooked? It looks rather gray. Maybe I'm just used to Hong Kong style roast goose which comes with golden crisp skin.
Does the cucumber have a dressing?
The stuffed eggplant 'coins' are one of my favourites. Every supermarket has them ready prepared, but I prefer to do it myself. I want to know what is in that minced pork!
I've never come across chub in China. I'm not even sure it is indigenous to Chinese waters. Translating fish names is one of my biggest headaches. But, I'm also a fish head fan.
The gingko nuts (or ginkgo nuts) certainly look the part, but I"ve never known those to be bitter. (Cloudy beans usually refers to 'kidney beans' and is actually a misconception of the Chinese. Anyway, they aren't kidney beans, I'm sure.)
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I don't know about Chinese dining etiquette; would your hosts be offended if you ate only a small amount?
In my experience of such meals, it is unlikely anyone would notice, so long as you eat a little of each dish. If they do notice, it is perfectly acceptable to lie through you teeth and invent some malady. They will know you are lying, but it saves face all round and everyone goes home happy.
