In Zaozhuang, east China’s Shandong Province, folk artists are busy crafting red pomegranate-shaped ximo—auspicious steamed buns—to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival.
These vibrant buns are made from flour and natural ingredients like fruit and vegetable juices, giving them their aromatic scent and brilliant color. The pomegranate shape symbolizes good luck and prosperity, carrying wishes for success and a flourishing New Year.
Zaozhuang is renowned as China’s “Hometown of Pomegranates,” and the fruit is traditionally seen as a symbol of good fortune. As a result, these pomegranate-shaped ximo have become popular gifts for loved ones during special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and especially the Spring Festival in southern Shandong.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
