Lykkers, have you ever wondered why certain foods are always on our festival tables? From family gatherings to festive celebrations, these special treats carry deep traditions and cultural meanings.

Today, we are diving into eight traditional festival foods that have been enjoyed for centuries. Let's see if your hometown's favorite dish made the list!

1. Dumplings – A New Year's Must-Have

Dumplings are a staple of major celebrations in northern China, especially on New Year's Eve and the Winter Solstice. Shaped like ancient silver ingots, they symbolize wealth and prosperity for the coming year. The tradition of eating dumplings can be traced back to Zhang Zhongjing, a famous physician from the Eastern Han Dynasty. Families often gather to make dumplings together, filling them with minced meat, vegetables, and sometimes even lucky coins for an extra dose of fortune!

2. Tangyuan – A Taste of Sweet Reunions

In southern China, tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) are an essential part of Lantern Festival, Winter Solstice, and even the Lunar New Year celebrations. These soft, chewy balls are filled with sesame, red bean paste, or peanuts and are cooked in sweet syrup. Their round shape symbolizes family unity and happiness. The earliest records of tangyuan date back to the Song Dynasty, and the tradition has continued to bring warmth to family gatherings ever since.

3. Zongzi – Wrapped in Tradition

Zongzi, or sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, are the highlight of the Dragon Boat Festival. This delicious treat has been enjoyed since the Jin Dynasty and is closely tied to the story of Qu Yuan, a patriotic poet. While northern and southern China have different styles of zongzi (savory or sweet), the significance remains the same – honoring ancestors and preserving traditions.

4. Mooncakes – The Icon of Mid-Autumn Festival

Mooncakes are the undisputed star of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family reunions and moon gazing. These round pastries, often filled with red bean paste, lotus seed paste, or salted egg yolk, symbolize completeness and togetherness. The term “mooncake” first appeared during the Southern Song Dynasty, but the tradition itself dates back even further. Nowadays, mooncakes come in a variety of flavors, from traditional to modern twists like ice cream and matcha!

5. Nian Gao – A Sweet Start to the Year

Nian gao, or rice cake, is a lucky food for the Lunar New Year. In some regions, eating nian gao represents the hope for children to grow taller each year. The word “gao” sounds like “high” in Chinese, making it a symbolic wish for progress and success. Historical records show that this festive cake has been around since the Han Dynasty, and its soft, chewy texture continues to be a favorite among families today.

6. Spring Rolls – A Crispy Start to Spring

Spring rolls, also known as spring pancakes, are a traditional food enjoyed during the Beginning of Spring festival. They represent the start of a new cycle and are often filled with fresh vegetables, meats, or sweet pastes. The term “spring pancake” dates back to the Tang Dynasty, and over time, this dish evolved into the crispy, golden-brown spring rolls we love today. A perfect balance of crunch and flavor!

7. Qing Tuan – The Taste of Spring

Qing tuan, or green rice balls, are a must-have treat during the Qingming Festival, especially in Jiangnan regions. These soft, jade-green dumplings are made from glutinous rice mixed with wormwood juice, giving them a distinctive aroma. Their origins trace back to the Tang Dynasty, and their traditional form has remained unchanged for over a thousand years. Qing tuan are usually filled with red bean paste, creating a sweet yet slightly herbal taste that perfectly represents spring.

8. Chongyang Cake – A Festival of Heightened Flavor

Chongyang Cake, or flower cake, is the signature food of the Double Ninth Festival. Popular in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, this festive cake has been recorded in historical texts since the Southern Dynasties. Traditionally, people climb mountains during the festival, and this cake's layered design represents climbing to greater heights. Made with rice flour, nuts, and dried fruits, Chongyang Cake is both a treat and a symbol of longevity.

Lykkers, which of these traditional festival foods brings back fond memories for you? Whether it's the rich flavors of mooncakes or the comforting warmth of dumplings, every dish carries a piece of history and cultural heritage. Let's celebrate these flavors together and keep these delicious traditions alive! Share with us – which one is your favorite? 😊