Eating dumplings on the winter solstice is a folk custom in the north. For this snack to a big delicacy, even after being away from home for many years, I am still familiar with every production process and the warmth of every family sitting around to taste together. Still, you know what?In many places in the past, this dumpling also had a name, and that was flat food.
The origin of the name Bianshi can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. It is said that it was gradually evolved from the food introduced to the Central Plains by the Xiongnu through the improvement of the Han people. At that time, the flat food was quite similar to today's dumplings and wontons, but it had its own uniqueness.
In the north, because of the predominance of pasta, this flat food has naturally become a frequent guest on people's tables. Its shape is flattened, as if it were the shape of people's ears, which contains profound cultural connotations. Every winter solstice, the family sits together, chatting about homely things while wrapping dumplings, the feeling is so warm and happy.
Over time, this flat food spread from the Central Plains to all parts of the country. Although the practice and name vary from place to place, its name and meaning remain largely the same. In some places, dumplings, wontons, and flat food are confused, but in Puyang, the distinction between the three is very clear. Dumplings are similar to flat food in shape and practice, but wontons are very different from it. Although dumplings and flat food are the same in some places, the title of flat food does not seem to be as fashionable and popular as dumplings, and the title of full flat food is being abandoned and forgotten by people.
Whenever the winter solstice is mentioned, the hearts of northerners are always filled with a strong festive atmosphere. There is a good saying: "The winter solstice is as big as the year". On this day, families gather together for a hot flat meal. The mention of the word flat food is like going back decades. The deliciousness, the warmth, as if the whole winter had been lit up.