The smell of the New Year in the fireworks of the world
The custom of grinding tofu stems from traditional Chinese culture, especially in the Southern Song Dynasty, when Zhu Xi wrote a poem "Tofu" to express a description of this custom.
The twenty-fifth day of the lunar month grinds tofu in order to cope with the possible inspection of the Jade Emperor. Legend has it that after the Lord of the Stove went to heaven to report to the Jade Emperor, the Jade Emperor might go down to earth to check on the people's living conditions. In order to disguise their real life situation and avoid punishment, families will make tofu and eat tofu residue on this day, showing frugality.
Tofu is a homonym for "Doufu", which means that the new year can bring good luck and wealth. At the same time, the soybeans used in the production of tofu are a daily food in many families, so tofu is also regarded as a kind of mascot and hopes for a better life in the future. In addition to grinding tofu, there are some other customs on the 25th day of the lunar month, such as receiving the Jade Emperor, taking pictures of silkworms, and driving the New Year. Together, these customs constitute the traditional Chinese culture of welcoming the Spring Festival.
In some rural areas of northern China, especially those without metal tools, they prepare tofu and other ingredients on this day in advance to enjoy during the New Year, as sharp weapons such as swords are usually not allowed between the 30th and 1st day of the Chinese New Year's Eve.
In addition, tofu is not only a traditional Chinese food, but also contains rich nutritional value. It is rich in protein and vitamins and is very beneficial for human health. In modern society, tofu has become a common dish on the table, and with the increase of productivity, the production process of tofu is becoming more and more developed.
To sum up, 25 grinding tofu is a custom with deep significance in traditional Chinese culture, which is not only the preparation of food, but also the wish for good luck and happiness in the coming year.