Is dumplings eaten at the beginning of autumn in the north?

The beginning of autumn is one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar, marking the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. In the northern region, the Beginning of Autumn is an important solar term, and people celebrate this day according to traditional customs. One of the most common customs is eating dumplings. So, are dumplings eaten in the north during the Beginning of Autumn? Let us discuss it together.

1. The meaning and origin of the Beginning of Autumn

The Beginning of Autumn, as the name suggests, is the beginning of the end of summer. On the first day of the eighth lunar month, the sun reaches 150 degrees of ecliptic longitude, and this day is designated as the Beginning of Autumn. The arrival of the Beginning of Autumn means that the weather is getting cooler and the atmosphere of autumn is getting stronger.

There are many theories about the origin of the Beginning of Autumn. One of the more famous ones is: According to legend, the ancient emperors would celebrate the Beginning of Autumn on this day. A sacrificial ceremony is held to thank God for blessing the people with good weather for a good harvest. This day is also seen as the end of farmers' hard work and the beginning of enjoying the fruits of their hard work.

2. The traditional custom of Northerners celebrating the Beginning of Autumn

In the northern region, the Beginning of Autumn is an important solar term, and people will celebrate this day according to traditional customs. One of the most common customs is eating dumplings.

1. The symbolic meaning of dumplings

Dumplings have a special symbolic meaning in Chinese culture. Its shape resembles a gold ingot, which means wealth and good luck. Eating dumplings on the day of the Beginning of Autumn means hoping for prosperity and good luck for the family in the coming year.

2. The process of making dumplings

Making dumplings is a tedious and interesting process. First, prepare the dumpling wrappers and fillings. You can roll the dumpling wrappers yourself or buy ready-made dumpling wrappers. There are many choices of fillings, which can be chosen according to personal taste. Common fillings include pork and green onion fillings, leek and pork fillings, etc. Next, wrap the filling into the dumpling wrapper, dip your fingers in water and smear the edges of the dumpling wrapper, then fold the dumpling wrapper in half and pinch the edges with your fingers to make the two dumpling wrappers stick together. Finally, put the wrapped dumplings into boiling water and cook.

3. How to eat dumplings

Dumplings can be eaten boiled or steamed. When cooking dumplings, boil the water and put the dumplings into the pot. After the water boils again, add an appropriate amount of cold water and boil again. Repeat this several times until the dumplings are cooked. When steaming dumplings, put the dumplings into the steamer and steam over high heat for 10-15 minutes.

3. The reason why dumplings are eaten in the north during the Beginning of Autumn

The traditional custom of eating dumplings in the north during the Beginning of Autumn has a long history. There are several reasons:

1. To celebrate the harvest

The beginning of autumn is the end of farmers’ hard work and is also the season of harvest. Eating dumplings can symbolize harvest and fertility, and is a celebration and blessing for farmers' hard work.

2. Pray for good luck

The shape of dumplings resembles ingots, symbolizing wealth and good luck. Eating dumplings can pray for prosperity and good luck for the family in the coming year.

3. Continuation of traditional customs

Eating dumplings has become a traditional custom at the beginning of autumn in the northern region, which has been passed down from generation to generation and continues to this day. People regard this custom as a link between the past and the present, and it is also a cultural inheritance.

IV. Summary

The traditional custom of eating dumplings at the beginning of autumn in the north has been going on for many years. It is not only a celebration and blessing for the hard work of farmers, but also a prayer. Way to good luck and abundance. As a delicacy, dumplings not only have a unique taste, but also symbolize wealth and good luck. They have become an important symbol for northerners to celebrate the Beginning of Autumn.

Both the process of making dumplings and the way of eating dumplings contain people's yearning and expectation for a better life. The traditional custom of eating dumplings at the beginning of autumn not only enriches people's lives, but also inherits a unique culture. Let us enjoy the delicious dumplings together on the day of Beginning of Autumn and pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Dumplings are eaten in the north at the beginning of autumn. This traditional custom will continue to be passed down and become a cultural symbol of the northern people.