Have you ever seen a bun shaped like a pomegranate? 🍎 In Zaozhuang, east China’s Shandong Province, folk artists are making beautiful red pomegranate-shaped steamed buns called ‘ximo‘ (pronounced shee-moh) to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival! 🎆 The Spring Festival is the most important holiday in China, similar to Christmas or Thanksgiving in other countries.
Using flour and natural ingredients like fruit and vegetable juices, these artists create colorful and aromatic buns. Isn’t that cool? 🌈 The pomegranate shape isn’t just for fun—it carries wishes for success and a prosperous New Year! 🎊
Did you know that Zaozhuang is called the ‘Hometown of Pomegranates’ in China? 🍎 Pomegranates are seen as a symbol of good luck and happiness because they have many seeds, representing many blessings. That’s why these pomegranate-shaped buns are so special!
People in southern Shandong love to give these red pomegranate buns as gifts to family and friends. Whether it’s celebrating an elder’s birthday, a baby’s first month, a wedding, or the Spring Festival, these buns are a tasty way to share good wishes. 🎁
Would you like to try making one of these buns? Maybe you can create your own lucky treats for the New Year! 🥟
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
