In traditional Chinese folk customs, the 11th day of the first lunar month is known as the unique and beautiful "Son-in-law Day", which is especially important in some regions, when parents-in-law usually invite their dear son-in-law to their home with the warmest mood and do their best to prepare a sumptuous and tempting feast to entertain them, and every bite is full of family affection and love.
This simple and affectionate custom is often closely related to local folk culture, and it is said that some people believe that the ninth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of Tiangongsheng, that is, the legendary Jade Emperor, on this day, they will hold solemn sacrifices and prepare a large number of sacrifices. On the 11th day of the first lunar month, the father-in-law and mother-in-law will prepare the leftover food and use it to entertain the younger son-in-law, which has a profound meaning and symbolizes good luck, and thus carries blessings on the son-in-law and the whole family.
Of course, the celebration of "Son-in-law Day" is actually much more than food, on this day, we can also feel the deep family affection and warm blessing atmosphere. For example, the parents-in-law may give the son-in-law a gift with a beautiful meaning, such as a personal red envelope, a fish full of money, or a meaning of more than every year, etc., which is not only a meticulous care for the son-in-law, but also an endless prospect and blessing for the new year and the new family. And all of this is hidden in this bowl of delicacies, and each dish on the table has its own unique meaning.
1. Eat chicken. The first is this auspicious chicken feast. In Chinese culture, the pronunciation of "chicken" and "auspicious" is similar, which symbolizes auspiciousness and good fortune. Tasting chicken represents a prayer for a good harvest in life and career in the new year, and hopes that the son-in-law will go well in the new year. In addition, in the traditional culture of our country, chicken represents the spirit of hard work and hard work, inviting relatives and friends to eat chicken dishes, in fact, it is also using chicken as a medium to convey our expectations for continuous progress in the career.
2. Eat fish. Let's have another fish dish full of rich visions! The small character "鱼" is pronounced the same as "yu" in Chinese, which means that there is accumulation every year and there is enough wealth. Tasting fish and meat is not only the yearning for family prosperity and happiness, but also the satisfaction of material life and the improvement and pursuit of the spiritual world. Such a delicious delicacy is actually a parent-in-law who conveys to their son-in-law their hopes for a better life in the future through a meal full of ingenuity, hoping that the family will be more financially prosperous, life can be more satisfying, and there will be savings every year.
3. Eat zygotes.
The next comfortable and harmonious zygote is also one of the indispensable protagonists of "Son-in-law Day". The process of making the zygote seems to lead people into a quiet and peaceful world, where everyone's hands are tightly attached to each other. At the same time, the word "he" also has the meaning of unity and friendship, so that behind the food, the zygote contains the parents-in-law's deep yearning for a happy marriage and a harmonious family between their daughters and sons-in-law.
4. Eat poached eggs.
Finally, we want to taste this poached egg full of meaning and good luck. The appearance of the poached egg resembles a round ingot, like a money bag wrapped in treasures, representing prosperity and wealth. Even in many local dialects, "egg" is pronounced similarly to "birthday", a metaphor for new life and hope, and a harbinger of the inheritance and development of people's lives. Therefore, regardless of men, women and children, tasting this bowl of poached eggs is to taste those sustenance that represents health and longevity, career take-off and financial prosperity. This friendship, this heart, is permeated in this harmonious atmosphere, and is happy in the laughter of every table.
In general, "Son-in-law Day" is not only a rich embodiment of food culture, but also a traditional custom full of family affection and blessings, which makes life more loving and caring. There may be all kinds of difficulties and setbacks in life, but as long as we uphold this sincere family affection and stick to the ideals and beliefs in our hearts, then we will always have the opportunity to overcome everything and realize the bloom of self-worth.