The Origin and Legend of jiaozi during the Winter Solstice.

The origin and legend of jiaozi is to commemorate Zhang Zhongjing's medical skills and achievements.

Zhang Zhongjing, a great physician in the Eastern Han Dynasty in ancient China, was worried that everyone's ears would get cold in winter when he treated villagers in winter. So on the winter solstice day of China solar term, he set up a medical shed in Nanyang Dongguan clearing to give alms to the poor.

The so-called pepper is to wrap some cold-dispelling ingredients on the dough, such as mutton and pepper, for medicinal purposes to avoid frostbite of the working people's ears. Later, in order to commemorate Zhang Zhongjing's outstanding contribution to ancient medicine in China, people began to eat Joule from the winter solstice.

The evolution from jiaozi to jiaozi is long and varied. At first, it was actually the predecessor of wonton. For example, it was called "Crescent Wonton" in the Three Kingdoms, "Crescent Wonton" in the Tang Dynasty, "Flat Food" in the Yuan and Ming Dynasties, and it was called "jiaozi" until the Qing Dynasty.

The Folk Significance of Eating jiaozi on the Winter Solstice Festival

1 means the arrival of the winter solstice solar term.

The winter solstice is the earliest and shortest day among the traditional 24 solar terms in China. The arrival of the winter solstice solar term also means entering a cold winter. Jiaozi is a traditional food in the north, which has the effect of keeping out the cold and keeping warm. Therefore, eating jiaozi in the winter solstice can symbolize the arrival of the winter solstice solar terms and welcome the cold winter.

It means family reunion and harmony.

Jiaozi is a traditional family food, which is usually made and shared by family members. On the solstice of winter, the whole family get together to wrap jiaozi and enjoy this traditional festival. This harmonious atmosphere of family reunion also implies family unity and happiness.

It means praying for peace and health.

In the traditional culture of China, the winter solstice is regarded as an important festival, which has the functions of blessing and exorcism. People believe that holding some special ceremonies during the winter solstice can bring good luck and health. As a traditional food, jiaozi is also considered to have the function of praying for peace and health. Therefore, eating jiaozi on the winter solstice means praying for peace and health.