Xiao Nian is one of the traditional festivals in our country, also known as the "Stove Festival" and "Stove King Festival", which are usually held on the 23rd or 24th day of the lunar month. On this day, people will express their admiration for the Lord of the Stove through a series of rituals and activities, hoping that he can bless the family with peace and happiness. Food is an indispensable part of the celebration of the New Year. Depending on Xi and taste, there will be different food options in different places. Below, let's take a look at the special delicacies in various places during the New Year's season.
First of all, people in the northern region generally choose to eat dumplings on New Year's Eve. Dumplings are rich and varied in fillings, including pork, mutton, cabbage, leeks, etc. The meaning of eating dumplings is to see off the prince of the stove, taking the meaning of "sending off the dumplings to the wind", hoping that the prince of the stove can bless the family in heaven for safety and smoothness.
Secondly, hemp candy is also a special delicacy in the small year. Hemp candy is a crispy and delicious candy that is mainly made from raw materials such as sesame seeds, flour, etc. It means that life is sweet and sweet, and pray for happiness in the coming year.
In addition, fire is also a common food in some parts of the north during the Chinese New Year. Similar to shortbread, the fire is crispy and has a certain anti-hunger effect. It is a continuation of ancient eating Xi and has a deep historical heritage.
New Year's dumplings are another special dish of Xiao Nian. Zongzi symbolizes reunion, not only to be eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, but also to be tasted during the New Year. The stickiness of glutinous rice indicates family reunion, family harmony and happiness.
Rice crackers are a kind of New Year's pastry and a snack. Rice crackers are mainly made from rice and can be eaten both as a staple food and as a dessert. The meaning of rice crackers is that life is getting better and better, and life is happy.
Sticky cake is another delicacy of Xiao Nian. The production method is simple, mainly using yellow rice, red dates, etc. as raw materials, and it is steamed. The taste of rice cakes is sweet and soft, which means "high every year" and has the meaning of auspiciousness.
Popcorn candy is also a specialty of the year. It is made from maltose and popcorn and has a crispy texture, symbolizing the "sweet honey" of the new year.
In addition to the above delicacies, sugar cane and water chestnuts are also common foods when they are young. Sugar cane symbolizes the sweetness of life, and water chestnuts symbolize the rolling of wealth.
In general, the food of the New Year varies according to the region and Xi, but they all symbolize people's good wishes and expectations for the New Year. In this special festival of the New Year, food is not only to satisfy the appetite, but also to carry people's yearning for a better life and wishes for a happy family. Whether it's dumplings, sesame sugar, fire, or New Year's dumplings, rice crackers, and rice cakes, these delicacies all convey the same message: Happy New Year, happy family, and happy life. In the days of the New Year, let's taste delicious food together, share a good time, and welcome the arrival of the New Year.