What is the origin and significance of spring cakes?

The origin and meaning of spring cakes are as follows.

First, the origin of spring cakes

According to legend, in the Eastern Jin Dynasty, on the day of beginning of spring, people spread pancakes made of flour on the plate and served them with exquisite vegetables, so it was called spring plate.

In the Tang and Song Dynasties, this trend became more prevalent. After the Ming Dynasty, spring plate and spiced plate evolved into spring cakes. In Song Dynasty, Wu described "Liang Lumeng" as: Changshu cake, wonton bowl, spring cake, vegetable cake and glutinous rice balls. In the Qing dynasty, wealthy families or ordinary families also ate more spring cakes.

Second, the significance of spring cakes

Eating spring cakes in beginning of spring means welcoming the spring, which means that the grain is abundant and welcoming the arrival of spring. Eating spring cakes is also called biting spring. This custom originated in the Tang Dynasty and is more popular in the northern region. Spring cakes are also eaten in the south, but they are called spring rolls, and the dishes are richer, from cold dishes to braised pork, which can be used as stuffing for spring rolls.