Dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi) are one of the most popular and favorite dishes in China. You can hardly find a Chinese family where dumplings are not cooked, especially on important holidays such as Chinese New Year. However, dumplings are not only an everyday dish, but also play an important role in the culture, symbolism and traditions of China. Their history goes back centuries, and the dumplings have undergone many changes during their existence, reflecting the evolution of Chinese cuisine and culinary preferences.
1. Origin of dumplings in China
1.1 Ancient History and First Mentions
It is believed that dumplings appeared in China more than 2000 years ago, during the era of the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). Initially, dumplings were part of traditional Chinese medicine, and their use was associated with the goal of improving health and metabolism. Ancient Chinese used dumplings as a defence against winter cold because they were cooked with hot and nutritious ingredients.
According to one popular legend, Tu Shimei, a prominent Chinese doctor, created dumplings to help treat people suffering from colds and cold. He began to cook dumplings with meat and various additives that had strengthening and warming properties.
1.2 Early species of dumplings
In those days, dumplings were prepared without dough in their usual form. Instead of dough, leaves were used, and the filling could consist of meat, fish or vegetables. Gradually, dumplings have acquired the shape that we know today - dough has become the main component, and the filling has become more diverse. This dish quickly became popular among the Chinese population, and it began to be cooked not only in winter, but also in other seasons.
2. Dumplings in Chinese culture
2.1 The symbolism of dumplings
Dumplings in China play a special role in cultural and family traditions. They are considered a symbol of prosperity, wealth and happiness. This is because their shape resembles Chinese coins - a symbol of financial well-being. Dumplings are especially popular for Chinese New Year, when families come together to sculpt dumplings and then eat them in a circle of loved ones.
- In some regions of China, it is customary to hide coins or other small symbols of good luck inside dumplings. Anyone who finds such a surprise is promised luck and wealth in the new year.
2.2 Dumplings and Family Traditions
Traditionally, dumplings are prepared by the whole family. This process, where every family member is involved in dumpling, is considered an important point that strengthens family ties. This is especially true during the Chinese New Year period, when the family meets at the table for joint work and the subsequent festive lunch.
For many Chinese, this process is not just cooking, but a ritual that retains a connection with ancestors and gives special importance to the holiday.
3. Variety of dumplings in Chinese cuisine
3.1 Types of dumplings by filling
Dumplings in China have many variations depending on region and season. The toppings can range from pork and beef to seafood and vegetables.
- Cabbage pork is a classic dumplings filling in northern China. Dumplings with this filling are very popular in the Northeast of China.
- Beef with onions and spices - characteristic of hotter regions of China, where they like spicy and fragrant fillings.
- Seafood such as shrimp and fish are also often used to fill dumplings, especially in coastal areas of China.
- Vegetarian dumplings, filled with mushrooms, tofu and Chinese vegetables, are popular among people who follow a plant-based diet.
3.2 Methods of dumplings preparation
There are several popular ways to make dumplings in China:
- Boiled dumplings are the most traditional way in which dumplings are boiled in boiling water until cooked.
- Fried dumplings (煎饺, jiān jiǎo) - dumplings that are fried in a pan, creating a crispy crust on one side.
- Steam dumplings (蒸饺, zhēng jiǎo) are steamed dumplings, making them soft and juicy.
4. Dumplings in modern China
4.1 The popularity of dumplings in everyday life
Today, dumplings remain one of the most popular and frequently consumed dishes in China. They can be found in every Chinese restaurant, as well as street stalls and shops selling frozen dumplings. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have entire chains of dumplings-focused restaurants that offer a variety of fillings and cooking options.
4.2 The Role of Dumplings in a Globalized World
With the increasing number of Chinese immigrants around the world, dumplings began to gain popularity in other countries. They especially gained popularity in North America, where they began selling ready-made frozen dumplings in supermarkets and Chinese restaurants. In some countries, dumplings began to adapt to local tastes, adding new fillings or cooking methods.
Conclusion
Dumplings (饺子) are not only one of the most popular dishes of Chinese cuisine, but also a symbol of wealth, luck and family well-being. From ancient times to today, they play an important role in Chinese culture and traditions. Dumplings bring people together, create an atmosphere of joy and are an integral part of Chinese holidays, especially the Chinese New Year.
1. Origin of dumplings in China
1.1 Ancient History and First Mentions
It is believed that dumplings appeared in China more than 2000 years ago, during the era of the Han dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD). Initially, dumplings were part of traditional Chinese medicine, and their use was associated with the goal of improving health and metabolism. Ancient Chinese used dumplings as a defence against winter cold because they were cooked with hot and nutritious ingredients.
According to one popular legend, Tu Shimei, a prominent Chinese doctor, created dumplings to help treat people suffering from colds and cold. He began to cook dumplings with meat and various additives that had strengthening and warming properties.
1.2 Early species of dumplings
In those days, dumplings were prepared without dough in their usual form. Instead of dough, leaves were used, and the filling could consist of meat, fish or vegetables. Gradually, dumplings have acquired the shape that we know today - dough has become the main component, and the filling has become more diverse. This dish quickly became popular among the Chinese population, and it began to be cooked not only in winter, but also in other seasons.
2. Dumplings in Chinese culture
2.1 The symbolism of dumplings
Dumplings in China play a special role in cultural and family traditions. They are considered a symbol of prosperity, wealth and happiness. This is because their shape resembles Chinese coins - a symbol of financial well-being. Dumplings are especially popular for Chinese New Year, when families come together to sculpt dumplings and then eat them in a circle of loved ones.
- In some regions of China, it is customary to hide coins or other small symbols of good luck inside dumplings. Anyone who finds such a surprise is promised luck and wealth in the new year.
2.2 Dumplings and Family Traditions
Traditionally, dumplings are prepared by the whole family. This process, where every family member is involved in dumpling, is considered an important point that strengthens family ties. This is especially true during the Chinese New Year period, when the family meets at the table for joint work and the subsequent festive lunch.
For many Chinese, this process is not just cooking, but a ritual that retains a connection with ancestors and gives special importance to the holiday.
3. Variety of dumplings in Chinese cuisine
3.1 Types of dumplings by filling
Dumplings in China have many variations depending on region and season. The toppings can range from pork and beef to seafood and vegetables.
- Cabbage pork is a classic dumplings filling in northern China. Dumplings with this filling are very popular in the Northeast of China.
- Beef with onions and spices - characteristic of hotter regions of China, where they like spicy and fragrant fillings.
- Seafood such as shrimp and fish are also often used to fill dumplings, especially in coastal areas of China.
- Vegetarian dumplings, filled with mushrooms, tofu and Chinese vegetables, are popular among people who follow a plant-based diet.
3.2 Methods of dumplings preparation
There are several popular ways to make dumplings in China:
- Boiled dumplings are the most traditional way in which dumplings are boiled in boiling water until cooked.
- Fried dumplings (煎饺, jiān jiǎo) - dumplings that are fried in a pan, creating a crispy crust on one side.
- Steam dumplings (蒸饺, zhēng jiǎo) are steamed dumplings, making them soft and juicy.
4. Dumplings in modern China
4.1 The popularity of dumplings in everyday life
Today, dumplings remain one of the most popular and frequently consumed dishes in China. They can be found in every Chinese restaurant, as well as street stalls and shops selling frozen dumplings. Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have entire chains of dumplings-focused restaurants that offer a variety of fillings and cooking options.
4.2 The Role of Dumplings in a Globalized World
With the increasing number of Chinese immigrants around the world, dumplings began to gain popularity in other countries. They especially gained popularity in North America, where they began selling ready-made frozen dumplings in supermarkets and Chinese restaurants. In some countries, dumplings began to adapt to local tastes, adding new fillings or cooking methods.
Conclusion
Dumplings (饺子) are not only one of the most popular dishes of Chinese cuisine, but also a symbol of wealth, luck and family well-being. From ancient times to today, they play an important role in Chinese culture and traditions. Dumplings bring people together, create an atmosphere of joy and are an integral part of Chinese holidays, especially the Chinese New Year.