As the Spring Festival draws near, the streets of Longtun Village in Shiqian County, located in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, are filled with the enticing aroma of traditional rice snacks. Residents are busy crafting “mihua” (rice flowers) and “mibing” (rice cakes), delicacies shaped like flowers and cakes that are an essential part of the festive celebrations.
These treats are made from locally grown glutinous rice, following a time-honored process passed down through generations. The rice is soaked for 12 hours to achieve the perfect texture, then ground into a fine paste. Artisans use special molds to shape the paste into intricate flower designs before allowing them to dry naturally or bake. The final step involves frying them at high temperatures, resulting in crispy, golden snacks that are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palate.
“Making rice flowers is a tradition in our village,” said one local artisan. “We share them with family and friends during the New Year to symbolize unity and happiness.”
Once reserved for personal enjoyment during festivals, the demand for these rice snacks has grown beyond the village. The rise in popularity has transformed mihua and mibing into a thriving local industry, providing new economic opportunities for the villagers. As the Spring Festival approaches, production is in full swing to meet the high demand from across the region.
The round shapes of the rice flowers and cakes carry deep cultural significance, representing unity and reunion. Sharing these delicacies has become a cherished way for people to connect with loved ones during the most important holiday of the year.
With each bite of the crispy, fragrant snacks, the spirit of the Spring Festival comes alive, bringing warmth and joy to families throughout Guizhou Province and beyond.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
