The Origin of Qingtuan on Tomb-Sweeping Day
Qingming Festival, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, is a traditional Chinese festival that falls on the 15th day after the Spring Equinox. It is a time for people to pay tribute to their ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning the tombstones, and offering food and flowers. One of the most popular food items during this festival is Qingtuan, a type of glutinous rice ball that is filled with sweet green bean paste and wrapped in fragrant mugwort leaves. Here is the story behind this delicious treat.
The Legend of Jie Zitui
The origin of Qingtuan can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) in ancient China. According to legend, there was a loyal and selfless official named Jie Zitui who served under Duke Wen of Jin. Jie Zitui was known for his integrity and dedication to his duties, and he was deeply respected by the people. One year, the Duke ordered a hunting expedition, and Jie Zitui accompanied him into the mountains. After several days of searching, they were unable to find any game, and the Duke became hungry and irritable. Jie Zitui, who had brought along some cooked meat, offered it to the Duke to eat. The Duke was so pleased that he rewarded Jie Zitui with a high-ranking position.
However, Jie Zitui refused the offer and instead chose to retire to the mountains with his mother. He lived a simple life, cultivating vegetables and herbs to sustain himself and his mother. The Duke, feeling guilty for his past behavior, went to visit Jie Zitui several times to offer him a position in the court, but Jie always declined.
The Discovery of Jie Zitui's Remains
Years later, the Duke's kingdom was threatened by a drought and famine. He remembered Jie Zitui's expertise in herbal medicine and went to the mountains to seek his help. However, when he arrived, he found that Jie Zitui had died of starvation. The Duke was filled with remorse and ordered a search for Jie's remains.
After several days of searching, they found Jie's bones under a willow tree. The Duke was overcome with grief and ordered a grand funeral for Jie Zitui. However, during the funeral, the willow tree suddenly burst into flames, and the Duke realized that Jie's spirit was angry at being disturbed. He ordered his men to extinguish the fire and instructed them to wrap glutinous rice in mugwort leaves and offer them to Jie's spirit as a way of appeasing him.
The Tradition of Qingtuan
From then on, people began to make Qingtuan as an offering to their ancestors on Tomb-Sweeping Day. The green color of the mugwort leaves symbolizes the rebirth of spring, while the sweet filling represents the hope for a sweet life. Today, Qingtuan has become a beloved snack that is enjoyed by people of all ages during the Qingming Festival.