In the misty mountains of Guizhou, a centuries-old tradition is turning kitchens into hubs of crimson-colored joy as families prepare sticky rice cakes for Chinese New Year. 🌄✨ In Jiangkou County, the aroma of steaming glutinous rice mingles with laughter as villagers gather at dawn to roll, press, and shape the treats—each bite a promise of luck and togetherness.
🧧 \"Red means prosperity,\" says Li Yuanzhen, a Yanxi Village resident, as she coats snow-white rice balls in vibrant red grain. \"This year, we’re making over 30 kilos—enough to sweeten the whole village’s celebrations!\" The ritual isn’t just about food; it’s a TikTok-worthy blend of artistry and ancestral wisdom, with elders teaching kids family recipes passed down through dynasties.
💡 Fun fact: The cakes’ ruby-red hue comes from locally grown \"hongmi\" rice, symbolizing firecracker-like energy to scare off bad vibes. And yes, they’re as Instagrammable as they sound! 📸
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Villagers in Guizhou make sticky rice cakes ahead of Chinese New Year
cgtn.com