Today is December 22, which is the winter solstice. The folk custom is to eat dumplings.
It is said that this custom is related to the famous "medical saint" Zhang Zhongjing.
Zhang Zhongjing was a famous medical scientist in the Eastern Han Dynasty, he not only had superb medical skills, but also had a kind heart and cared for the people.
It is said that when Zhang Zhongjing was an official in Changsha, he often treated the people for diseases.
One year, the local plague was rife. So he built a cauldron at the gate of the street, sacrificed medicine to save people, and won the love of the people of Changsha.
After Zhang Zhongjing returned to his hometown from Changsha, there were many people seeking medical treatment, and he was very busy.
And the appearance of dumplings and his application of medicine to cure diseases also have a great relationship.
He found that many poor people had frostbite in their ears.
In order to solve this problem, he ordered **to set up a medical shed, set up a cauldron, and give alms on the day of the winter solstice "dispelling cold Jiao'er soup" to ** chilblains.
He boiled mutton, chili peppers and some herbs in a pot, then took out the mutton and medicine and chopped them, and then cooked them with bread in the shape of "Jiao'er" in the shape of ears. After that, he gave the "Jiao'er" to the people who came to ask for medicine, two for each person, and a large bowl of broth.
After eating "Jiao'er" and drinking "cold soup", people were warm, their ears were hot, and their frostbitten ears gradually healed.
Later, people imitated the appearance of "Jiao'er" and wrapped it into food, also called "dumplings" or "flat food".
In order to commemorate Zhang Zhongjing's good deeds and medical skills, people will eat dumplings on the day of the winter solstice.
Since then, dumplings have gradually become one of people's favorite foods.