In the vast countryside of China, on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, there is a unique custom - steamed noodle lamp. On this day, no matter whether it is a large village or a small village, every household will carry out this ceremony, looking forward to a bumper harvest and a safe family house in the new year. This custom has been passed down from generation to generation, not only carrying people's awe of nature, but also the yearning for a better life.
In rural areas, the custom of steaming noodle lamps is usually the responsibility of housewives. They start busy the day before the Lantern Festival, selecting the best flour and preparing all kinds of fillings. The texture of the flour is crucial to the ability to steam a bright flour lamp. Only pure, impurity-free flour can ensure the brightness of the lamp. The fillings are chosen according to the taste of each family, and the common ones are red beans, sesame seeds, peanuts, etc., which symbolize auspiciousness, happiness and good harvest.
On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the housewives will get up early in the morning and start mixing dough, kneading dough, and making lanterns. Their skills are skillful and light, as if they are communicating something with the dough. Every little corner of the dough is carefully kneaded to ensure that the lamp is perfectly shaped. The finished lamp is usually the size of a bowl with a slight bulge in the middle, like a small lamp.
Next, the housewives would use tools to carve various patterns on the surface of the lamp. These patterns are rich in content, with auspicious cloud patterns, blessing characters, and various animal images, such as fish, dragons, phoenixes, etc. These patterns all have deep meanings, such as the fish represents the surplus of each year, and the dragon and phoenix symbolize the auspicious atmosphere. After carving the pattern, the housewives carefully place the lamps in the steamer. As the steam slowly rises, the whole kitchen is filled with the aroma of dough.
During the steaming of the noodle lamp, the whole family gathers in the kitchen, some add firewood to the fire, and some assist the housewife in mixing the dough. This process is not just about completing a custom, it is more like a moment of reunion. The children curiously gathered around the lanterns and waited excitedly for them to come out. They know that steamed noodles are not only a tribute to the gods, but also a delicacy for the family.
After some patient waiting, the face lamp was finally steamed. They are removed one by one and placed on the kitchen board to cool. At this time, the family will gather around to admire the fruits of this labor. The lamp looks crystal clear in the sun, as if carrying the blessings and expectations of the family. According to the custom, each member of the family has to eat a piece of their own noodle lamp. This is not only to share delicious food, but also to pray for good health and success in the new year for family members.
After enjoying the lanterns, the housewives place the remaining lanterns in front of the shrine and offer them to the gods as offerings. It is an expression of awe and gratitude to the gods, hoping to be blessed and blessed by the gods. After nightfall, the family will light up the lamps and place them in all corners of the home. The warm light not only illuminates the house, but also warms people's hearts.
In addition, there are some subtle differences in the custom of steaming noodle lamps in different rural areas. For example, in some places, people will add red dates, longan and other ingredients to the noodle lamp, which means "early birth of a noble son" and "happy reunion". In other places, a layer of oil is applied to the steamed noodle lamp to make it more crystal clear.
In addition to families, some villages also organize activities for collective steaming lanterns. The villagers work together to make large face lanterns, such as dragons, phoenixes, lions, etc. These large face lamps were used both as a deity to the gods and as village decorations to add to the festive atmosphere.
Nowadays, with the development of society and the acceleration of urbanization, some traditional rural customs are gradually forgotten. However, the custom of steaming noodle lamps is still preserved and passed down in many places. This is not only because it carries deep cultural significance and family feelings, but also because it embodies people's yearning and pursuit of a better life. For many rural residents, the steaming noodle lamp on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month is not only a custom, but also a kind of spiritual sustenance and home.
In general, the steaming noodle lamp on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month in the countryside is a bright pearl in traditional Chinese culture. It shows people's awe of nature and love of life in a unique way. Through this custom, we can not only understand the customs and lifestyles of rural China, but also feel people's expectations and pursuit for a better future. In the process, we can't help but be proud of the precious cultural heritage left by our ancestors. It is hoped that this tradition can continue to be passed on, so that more people can understand and experience the charm of Chinese rural culture.