Pingtan's traditional customs carry a unique island charm and cultural allure, blending influences from the Central Plains with the rich maritime essence of Minyue cultures. The Lunar New Year festivities on the island are reminiscent of a millennium-old ode, with undulating rhythms and enduring flavors.

Steaming 'Year Rice' - A Symbol of Prosperity and Family Joy

Pingtan was an isolated island, and most families relied on fishing for their livelihoods. For those families, coming together on the thirtieth day of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar for the New Year's Eve feast represented the pinnacle of happiness. Hence, Pingtan natives, no matter how far they venture, make it a point to return home for the New Year, cherishing a reunion meal symbolizing family togetherness.

The New Year's Eve feast in Pingtan typically consists of nine or eleven dishes, always an odd number. The hostess takes pride in preparing the finest ingredients, with a focus on seafood, including crabs, shrimp, abalones, squids, ribbonfish, and mackerel. These high-quality local seafood items are skillfully crafted into traditional Pingtan dishes such as Eight Treasures Rice, Steamed Glutinous Rice with Mangrove Crab, Pingtan Seafood Pizza, and Zha Zao Man (Fried Vinasse-coated Eel).

Among the dishes served during the New Year's Eve feast, Shi Lai Yun Zhuang (Lucky Dumplings) is a must-try. It holds significant historical importance in Pingtan and is as indispensable as jiaozi during the Lunar New Year feast in the northern regions of China. The outer layer of Shi Lai Yun Zhuang is made from mashed sweet potatoes mixed with sweet potato flour, shaped into a dough, and filled with a variety of ingredients, including purple laver, sliced carrot, chopped cabbage, minced pork, and shrimp. It is a traditional Pingtan snack enjoyed during festive seasons.

In addition to the feast, every household in Pingtan prepares steamed "Year Rice" for the Lunar New Year. This involves placing a wooden barrel filled with rice, adorned with ten pairs of red chopsticks arranged in a circle, fresh flowers, red candles, and two oranges. This "Year Rice" symbolizes each family's wish for a bountiful year, reflecting both cultural heritage and continuity in Pingtan.

Following the fourth day of Lunar New Year, housewives begin frying Nian Gao (Steamed Glutinous Rice Cake), steaming Fa Gao (Steamed Prosperity Cake), and re-steaming the "Year Rice.” The family gathers to consume the "Year Rice," signifying a year of abundance and prosperity. This tradition is known as “back-to-work” or a “reset” to kickstart the new year with a great start and sincere wish for a year of aplenty.

Apart from the "Year Rice," on New Year's Eve, housewives also steam rice for family consumption. However, a portion of this rice is intentionally left uneaten, symbolizing surplus for the coming years.

After enjoying the New Year's Eve feast, the housewife prepares vegetables and fish for consumption on the first day of the lunar year. Elders give Hong Baos (red envelopes containing money) to unmarried younger generations, and the entire family sits together, sharing thoughts and aspirations until midnight when they open the door and set off fireworks. On New Year's Eve, it is customary in Pingtan for every household to keep their lights on throughout the night, symbolizing bright prospects for the coming year.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 下一页
• 全文阅读