yuanxiao
food
Also known as: tangyuan
Quick Summary
Yuanxiao are small, glutinous rice balls often filled with fruits and nuts. They are traditionally eaten during the Lantern Festival in China, which marks the first full moon of the lunar new year and the end of Chinese New Year celebrations. The round shape of the yuanxiao symbolizes family unity and wholeness. The Lantern Festival itself has origins dating back to the Han dynasty and is a time for reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness, featuring traditions like lighting lanterns, riddle-solving, and festive dances.1
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