The north wind was blowing, and I stood at the exit of the station and took a deep breath of the cold air. Winter is approaching. I wrapped my scarf tightly and headed home.
On the way home, I deliberately chose a secluded path. On both sides of the road, there are silvery white wheat fields, and the mountains in the distance reveal a different kind of tranquility in the afterglow of the setting sun. I was immersed in the beauty and felt like I was back in my childhood.
As soon as I arrived at the entrance of the village, a noisy sound of gongs and drums attracted my attention. When I got closer, it turned out to be the lion dance team from the village. Different from other places, the lion dance in Shandong pays more attention to the demeanor and movements of the lion, which is vivid, as if a mighty male lion is leaping in front of him. I stopped and watched with great interest.
In addition to the lion dance, Shandong also has a unique annual custom activity - stilt walking. The stilt players step on high wooden stilts, but they are like walking on the ground, and they can also make various complex movements and performances. Their performances were witty and thrilling, attracting many villagers to watch.
When I got home, my mother had already prepared a hearty meal. After I sat down, I couldn't wait to pick up a piece of my mother's special Lu dish, braised pork, and put it in my mouth. I was fascinated by the delicious taste of being fat and thin, melting in my mouth. Mom smiled and said, "I know you love to eat, so I made it for you." The taste hasn't changed, has it? I nodded again and again and said, "It hasn't changed, it's still the same smell as when I was a child." ”
After the meal, I walked out of the house, wanting to feel the taste of Shandong again. I came to the village square and saw a group of people surrounding a cauldron. If you take a closer look, it turns out that you are making sugar melons with Shandong characteristics. It is a sweet dish made from maltose, coated in a layer of white sesame seeds, sweet but not greasy, and delicious. I waited in line and finally waited for one. When you take a bite, the sweet taste fills your mouth, and the aftertaste is endless.
In addition to sugar melons, Shandong's New Year's goods market is even more dazzling, with special snacks and handicrafts. I walked around and picked out a lot of things that I liked. Among them, the most impressive thing for me is the handmade fabric of an old woman. She embroiders a variety of zodiac and floral patterns with cloth and needlework, each of which is lifelike and artistic. I didn't hesitate to buy a Zodiac puppet as a souvenir.
In Shandong, the taste of the New Year lies not only in a variety of wonderful performances and food, but also in the deep local feelings and the warmth of home. This homecoming trip made me deeply feel the unique flavor of Shandong and the beauty of my hometown. I will cherish these memories and touches and let them remain in my heart forever.