In the heart of Guizhou Province’s Jiangkou County, villagers are embracing an age-old tradition as they prepare for the Chinese New Year. The air is filled with the aroma of steaming rice and the rhythmic sounds of wooden mallets pounding sticky rice into festive cakes.
From the early morning, smoke rises from courtyards where families gather to make sticky rice cakes—a symbol of good fortune and unity. Sticky white rice balls are rolled in bowls of red glutinous rice, giving them a vibrant coating that signifies prosperity.
“Red sticky rice cakes symbolize good fortune,” shared Li Yuanzhen, a resident of Yanxi Village. “Every household makes them for the Chinese New Year. This year, we’re preparing over 30 kilograms of rice cake, wishing for a year as vibrant and sweet as these cakes.”
The process is a communal effort that brings together neighbors and friends. Teams of villagers coordinate seamlessly, swinging wooden mallets in unison to pound the sticky rice—a practice that requires strength and precision. This collaborative tradition not only preserves the region’s cultural heritage but also fosters a strong sense of community.
“This tradition has been passed down through generations,” said another villager. “It’s not just about making rice cakes; it’s about coming together and celebrating our culture.”
As the Chinese New Year approaches, the villagers of Jiangkou County continue to honor their customs, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness and cultural pride is carried into the future.
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Villagers in Guizhou make sticky rice cakes ahead of Chinese New Year
cgtn.com
