Step into spring with sanzi, the crispy, golden snack that’s been a Qingming Festival staple for over 2,000 years! 🌸 Born during China’s Spring and Autumn Period as part of the 'Cold Food Festival'—a day when people avoided cooking with fire—this twisted dough treat has survived empires, dynasties, and changing traditions.
Originally linked to fire-free rituals, sanzi found new life during the Tang Dynasty as Qingming Festival grew in popularity. By the Qing era, the snack became a symbol of cultural endurance, its spiral shape representing the unbroken thread of life and legacy. 🌀 Today, families munch on sanzi while sweeping ancestors’ tombs or picnicking in blossoming parks—a crunchy bridge between ancient customs and modern life.
Fun fact: While most Cold Food traditions faded, sanzi stuck around like that one viral TikTok dance 💃—proving some traditions are too tasty to disappear!
Reference(s):
Sanzi: A taste of tradition and heritage during Qingming Festival
cgtn.com