Shanxi's snake-themed steamed buns signify auspicious new year ahead
In another workshop in Wenxi county, Shanxi, master Ti Jiaping is crafting her snake buns.
The colorful dough, after undergoing over a dozen processes including rolling, pressing, cutting, rubbing, pinching and snipping, transforms into a lifelike snake-shaped flower bun.
The 51-year-old explains that the golden snake flower bun, a popular product during Spring Festival, embodies people's hopes and aspirations for the new year.
The unique serpent-form bun, adorned with vibrant colors, symbolizes both good fortune and the promise of bountiful harvests and happiness.
Shanxi flower buns, which embody culinary tradition, artistic expression, and ritual significance in Chinese culture, date back over a thousand years. It was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.
Contact the writers at zhuxingxin@chinadaily.com.cn
