The winter solstice, as a traditional Chinese solar term, not only marks the beginning of the cold winter of the year, but also has a rich food culture and customs. On this special day, people eat specific foods, and there are also some dietary taboos that need to be taken care of. Winter solstice, what to eat?
As an important traditional festival, the winter solstice has its own unique festival table in various places. The first is the most common delicacy in the northern region – dumplings. The dumplings are filled with a variety of ingredients, such as pork and cabbage filling, mutton and carrot filling, etc., and each bite is full of warmth and happiness. Dumplings symbolize reunion and happiness.
Corresponding to dumplings is the more preferred food in the southern region - tangyuan. The fillings of the glutinous rice balls are mostly black sesame seeds, peanuts, chocolate, etc., and the taste is soft and glutinous, and it melts in the mouth. The rounded shape of the rice balls symbolizes family harmony and happiness.
In addition to dumplings and glutinous rice balls, there are also some local delicacies. For example, in some regions, people like to eat mutton soup during the winter solstice. As people say, the winter solstice makes up for Sanjiu, and drinking mutton soup moistens Jiujiu. Lamb is rich in calories and warms up the cold, and when boiled with ingredients such as radish, it is both delicious and nutritious.
In addition, glutinous rice is also a unique winter solstice delicacy in some parts of the south. Glutinous rice is steamed and pounded into a puree, and then made into various shapes, such as discs, long strips, etc., and then sprinkled with sesame seeds, sugar and other ingredients on the surface, which is sweet and delicious.
These traditional delicacies not only show the culinary characteristics of various places, but also reflect people's respect and inheritance of traditional culture. On this day, people sit together, eat delicious food, share joy, and also symbolize reunion and harmony.
The winter solstice is a cold season, which is especially important for keeping the body warm and replenishing nutrients. At this time, eating some warm fruits in moderation can not only replenish vitamins, but also strengthen the body's resistance.
The first is apples, which are one of the most popular fruits in winter. Apples rich in vitamin C help boost immunity and prevent colds and other illnesses.
Jujube is also one of the common fruits during the winter solstice. It is a natural blood tonic, rich in iron and vitamin C, which can strengthen the body and improve the ability to resist fatigue.
In addition, persimmons are also one of the representatives of winter fruits. Persimmons are rich in vitamin A, which helps protect the respiratory tract and prevent coughs and colds.
Finally, there is hawthorn, which is a fruit with medicinal properties. Hawthorn helps to eliminate food accumulation and promote blood circulation, which is especially suitable for people with indigestion in winter.
These fruits are not only delicious, but also rich in nutritional value, making them an ideal dessert choice during the winter solstice.
While enjoying the winter solstice food, we should also pay attention to some dietary taboos to maintain the health of the body.
The first is to avoid preserved foods, such as pickles, pickles, etc. These foods are rich in salt, and high salt intake can adversely affect your health.
Secondly, during the winter solstice, you should minimize the consumption of fried foods such as barbecue and frying. Smoking these foods is prone to produce carcinogens, which are harmful to health when consumed in the long term.
In addition, the weather is cold during the winter solstice, and too many ice-cold drinks should be avoided to avoid affecting your health.
In addition to food and fruits, there are some interesting customs and taboos that we need to know and follow on the winter solstice.
The first is not to steal sacrificial food. On the day of the winter solstice, many families will perform ancestor worship activities, and the sacrificial food is considered to have sacred significance, and stealing the sacrificial food is considered to incur misfortune.
The second is not to scold or quarrel. The winter solstice is considered a sacred day and one should maintain a calm mind and avoid quarrels and swearing, so as not to spoil the harmony of the festival.
In addition, the temperature is low during the winter solstice, and it is believed that moisture will invade the body and affect health, so avoid wading barefoot when going out.
Finally, the winter solstice is also a traditional day of respecting the elderly and loving the young, and the younger generation should respect the elders and spend this special day with them.
In conclusion, the winter solstice is not only the coldest time of the year, but also a festival full of food and culture. By understanding and abiding by the food culture and customs taboos of the winter solstice, we can better enjoy this special day, and at the same time inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation. On the day of the winter solstice, let us reunite with our families, taste delicious food, and feel strong family affection and warmth. Learning to respect and pass on traditions will enable us to move better into the future.