What is the origin of glutinous rice balls?

Origin: Tangyuan originated in the Song Dynasty and is a novel food in Mingzhou (now Ningbo, Zhejiang Province). Inside are black sesame seeds and pork suet, with a little sugar, and the outside is kneaded into a circle with glutinous rice flour. When cooked, it tastes sweet and soft, with endless aftertaste.

At the same time, glutinous rice balls symbolize family reunion, and eating glutinous rice balls also means family happiness and reunion in the New Year, so it is a must-have food for the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first month.

Moral: Tangyuan symbolizes reunion and beauty, and entrusts people with good expectations for life.

Tangyuan culture

Eating dumplings is a traditional custom of Han people, especially in Jiangnan. "Ningbo Tangyuan" is an essential food and a round dessert made of glutinous rice flour. "Circle" means "reunion" and "perfection". Eating glutinous rice balls during festivals symbolizes family harmony and auspiciousness, so it is also called "floating Zi Yuan". There is a folk saying that "eating glutinous rice balls is one year older". There is a poem in the ancients: "Every family in Ningbo makes glutinous rice balls, and contentment is always happy."