Is there a traditional custom of eating jiaozi during the Spring Festival?

Spring Festival is one of the most important traditional festivals in China, with a long history and rich cultural connotation. During the Spring Festival, people will hold various celebrations and follow certain customs. Eating jiaozi is one of the most important traditional customs during the Spring Festival.

First of all, eating jiaozi is considered as a kind of food symbolizing reunion and peace during the Spring Festival. The shape of jiaozi is similar to the ancient silver ingot in China, so people believe that eating jiaozi can bring wealth and good luck. In addition, the packaging process in jiaozi needs the participation of family members, which symbolizes the unity and harmony of the family. Therefore, eating jiaozi has become a symbol of family reunion and a way to express affection and friendship.

Secondly, eating jiaozi is rich in folklore and fairy tales. It is said that in ancient times, a monster named Nian would come out to eat people on New Year's Eve. Later, people found that Nianguai was afraid of red and fire, so they added garlic, pepper and other spices to jiaozi.