SENIOR PROJECT 2019
ORIGIN
Chinese dumplings were first invented during the Eastern Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220 A.D). Zhang Zhongjing, a physician born in Nanyang, Henan, spent much of his life serving as a government official in Changsha, Hunan. During a particularly harsh winter, Zhang Zhongjing returned to his ancestral village and noticed that many villagers were suffering from frostbite around their ears. In attempts to solve the problem, he decided to wrap lamb, chili, and some warming medicinal herbs in scraps of dough. He folded the dumplings into shapes resembling ears, boiled them, and served them to the villagers. Zhang Zhongjing’s dumplings’ warmth and flavorful broth were credited with the villagers' recoveries. The villagers loved the taste of Zhang’s creation so much so that they kept making the dumplings long after spring began.
NAME
Chinese dumplings were originally referred to as “嬌耳” or "jiao'er," which means “tender ears,” for its shape. Now, they are commonly referred to as "饺子" or "jiaozi."
TRADITION
Chinese dumplings have adopted a celebratory significance in contemporary society. They are very common, especially during the winter in most parts of northern China and the Spring Festival. They have become a staple of China, symbolizing home and wealth. During the Spring Festival, they represent happiness and celebration.