Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival), symbolizing reunion and hope, is an indispensable part of Chinese traditional festivals. In the hearts of Chinese people, Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is not only a delicious rice dumpling, but also a memorable traditional folk custom. In the old city of Shenyang in Northeast China, this festival is particularly local, mixed with the warmth of history and the enthusiasm of the common people.
1、 The Origin and Significance of Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival)
The Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival), also known as the Lantern Festival, originated in the Spring and Autumn Period, prevailed in the Han Dynasty, and gradually evolved into today’s form. According to the lunar calendar, the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year, which falls on the night of the full moon. At this moment, every household lights up colorful lanterns, lights up and paints, symbolizing their expectations for the New Year and blessings for the future. People eat Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival), enjoy flower lanterns, guess riddles… and celebrate this festival as a symbol of reunion with various traditional customs.
In Shenyang, the meaning of Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is more abundant. As a city with a long history, Shenyang carries the essence of Northeast regional culture, interpreting the connotation of this traditional festival through unique folk customs and traditions. Here, the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is not only a folk activity, but also a warm dawn in cold winter, leading people to light and hope.
2、 Folk Activities of Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) in Shenyang
- Eat Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival)
People in Shenyang celebrate the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) without Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) Festival. The traditional Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is made of glutinous rice flour, which is wrapped with various fillings, such as peanuts, sesame seeds, Red bean soup, etc. Nowadays, with the integration of food culture, more and more new tastes have appeared, such as matcha, chocolate and other creative Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) has become the new favorite of young people. When making Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival), Shenyang people often start with the whole family and participate in each other, which enhances the sense of family reunion.
- Flower Appreciation Lamp
During the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival), Shenyang’s parks, squares, and streets will hold grand lantern exhibitions. Various colorful lights come in different shapes, ranging from traditional folk stories to modern anime characters. Both adults and children can find their own happiness in the ocean of lights. Especially for children, when they see colorful lanterns with happy smiles on their faces, they often linger and forget to leave.
- Guessing lantern riddles
Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) in Shenyang, riddle guessing is an essential activity. The riddles hanging on the lanterns attracted many citizens to stop and brainstorm, trying their best to solve them. The riddles often involve trivial matters in daily life, historical allusions, idioms, and allegorical sayings, challenging people’s wisdom and knowledge. In this interaction, not only does it enhance the emotions between neighbors, but it also conveys people’s thirst for knowledge and sharing.
- Dragon and lion dance
The traditional dragon and lion dance is an important part of the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) in Shenyang. The enthusiastic performance attracted many spectators. Dragon and lion dance is not only for viewing, but also for praying for good weather and family health in the coming year. The performers’ graceful movements and the resounding sound of drums and gongs shook the entire scene, conveying a strong festive atmosphere.
- Setting off fireworks
In the night sky of Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival), the moment of fireworks blooming seems to light up the whole Shenyang. Family and friends gather together to enjoy this visual feast and wish each other a happy New Year. Fireworks fly, bloom and dissipate, which is short and beautiful, just like the reunion of Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival), which is short but precious.
3、 Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) in the eyes of the older generation
For those old Shenyang people who have experienced the changes of the times, the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is full of nostalgia. When I was young, Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) Festival was a time for family reunion. Everyone gathered around the stove to enjoy the hot Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) Festival and share each other’s daily life and happiness. At that time in Shenyang, although material conditions were limited, people’s hearts were rich and their emotions were closer to each other.
The older generation of Shenyang people often mentioned that during the Spring Festival, the streets and lanes are full of laughter, and the warm Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is the best time to get out of the cold winter. In their eyes, Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is not only the pursuit of reunion, but also the vision of a better life. Whenever they see a grand lantern exhibition and a bustling street market, they will reminisce about the past, as if time is frozen in this moment.
4、 Changes of Modern Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival)
With the change of the times, the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) in Shenyang has gradually incorporated more modern elements. Nowadays, many young people are celebrating this festival in a more diverse way while enjoying traditional customs. In addition to the traditional Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) and lanterns, there are music festivals, food markets and other activities that attract everyone’s attention.
In addition, the rise of social media has also made the celebration of Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) more diversified. Many young people share their experiences of the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) Festival through the Internet, shooting lanterns and eating Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival), spreading the traditional festival more widely. Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is no longer limited to family reunion, but has become a bridge to convey feelings and blessings in communities and networks.
As an important traditional folk custom in Shenyang, the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) carries countless beautiful memories. Looking back at the history and tradition, and combining with the modern times, the Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) Festival in Shenyang has both profound cultural heritage and endless fun of life. Whether it’s a lively temple fair or a family reunion, every activity is a love for life and a longing for beauty.
In the future, we hope to continue to inherit this tradition, and no matter how the times change, the emotion of reunion will never change. Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) is not only a festival, but also a continuation of culture and an attitude towards life.
On this special day, let’s reunite together, share beauty, and cherish this rare family bond and warmth. No matter where we go, our home will always be in our heart, and the lights of Yuanxiao (Filled round balls made of glutinous rice-flour for Lantern Festival) will illuminate our future.
