Dumplings
Dumplings are a traditional Chinese food made by wrapping filling in dough, shaped like a half-moon or an ingot. They can be cooked by steaming, boiling, or frying. According to legend, they were invented by Zhang Zhongjing, the "medical sage," during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220). He used dough to wrap food ingredients and medicinal herbs said to be able to prevent and treat colds and other diseases. Dumplings went on to become a staple dish in northern China and a popular festival food during the Spring Festival. People eat dumplings during the Spring Festival, a time to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, to symbolize renewal and wealth, hoping for good luck and good fortune in the coming year. Dumplings are more than a delicious food. They also convey the Chinese people's longing for a better life.
饺子
饺子是一种中国传统面食，以面皮包馅，形如半月形或元宝形，以蒸、煮、煎等方式烹饪。相传饺子是东汉时期“医圣”张仲景发明的，用面皮把祛寒的药材和食材包好并煮熟食用，用于预防和治疗疾病。后来，饺子逐渐演变为中国北方民间的主食和年节食品。人们在春节这个辞旧迎新的时刻吃饺子，寓意“更岁交子”“招财进宝”，祈盼新年吉祥如意。饺子不仅是一种美食，还是一种情结，传达了中国人对美好生活的向往。吃饺子已经成为中国节庆的民俗传统。
