Fujian Yuanxiao

The Lantern Festival, also called the “Shangyuan Festival,” is a traditional Chinese holiday. Because people have enjoyed watching lanterns for many centuries, it is also known as the “Lantern Festival.” The first month of the lunar calendar is called “Zhengyue.” In ancient times, people called the night “Xiao.” So the night of the first full moon of the year, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, is called the Lantern Festival.

In the past, people in different parts of Fujian would go out on the night of the Lantern Festival to parade with lanterns and take part in temple fairs to welcome the gods. During these celebrations, there were many folk performances, such as dragon dances, stilt walking, and lion dances.

In Fujian, the Lantern Festival is not only a lively day for watching lanterns and street celebrations, but also a special time for family reunion. On this day, every family eats a bowl of sweet Yuanxiao (also called Tangyuan). It symbolizes reunion and happiness.

The fillings of Fujian Yuanxiao are rich and varied. The most common filling is a classic sweet mix made of peanuts, sesame, and sugar. To make it, the filling is crushed and placed into glutinous rice flour. It is rolled again and again until it forms a smooth, round shape, then boiled and served.