In Northern China, noodles are a common food staple. They are cheaper than rice and need few meat or vegetable dishes to accompany them; also a small quantity of meat can be added to produce a complete dish. The Chinese have always regarded noodles as a symbol of longevity because of their great length, and therefore never cut them. Noodles frequently are served at birthday celebrations and festivals because of their symbolic nature. Like all noodles, the Chinese types come in a variety of shapes and sizes; some are small, often as fine as thread.