The first dumplings at the beginning of winter are made by grandma, which symbolizes the warmth of family and the power of family affection.

The custom of eating dumplings at the beginning of winter is a traditional folk activity in northern China and is regarded as an important ritual to welcome the cold season. The tradition of eating dumplings at the beginning of winter originated in northern China, especially in cold areas such as North China and Northeast China. This custom is usually carried out on or near the beginning of winter in the lunar calendar.

People believe that winter is a cold season, and the shape of dumplings resembles ancient copper coins. Therefore, eating dumplings is regarded as a symbol of praying for wealth and affluence.

On this day, family members gather together to participate in the process of making dumplings. Usually, this is a time of reunion, when family members participate in the process of making dumplings together to enhance family ties. The process of making dumplings has also become a traditional skill inheritance. The younger generation can learn the skills of making dumplings from the elders and deepen the traditional feelings of the family.

The significance of eating dumplings at the beginning of winter:

1. Eating dumplings at the beginning of winter is to commemorate the medical saint Zhang Zhongjing. According to legend, dumplings were invented by Zhang Zhongjing. Eating dumplings at the beginning of winter can inherit and promote traditional culture and express respect for the medical saint.

2. Eating dumplings at the beginning of winter has the meaning of obeying God’s will. Beginning of Winter is the turn of autumn and winter. There is a folk custom of eating dumplings every time the festival comes. Eating dumplings means following the laws of nature and praying for a better future.

3. Eating dumplings at the beginning of winter has the meaning of rewarding family members. In the past farming societies, people who had worked for a year would use the Beginning of Winter to take a break and reward their family with dumplings for their hard work over the past year. The dumplings are shaped like ingots, which also means good fortune in the coming year.

4. Eating dumplings at the beginning of winter symbolizes reunion and family harmony. On the day of Beginning of Winter, families sit together to make dumplings, talk and laugh, and strengthen their relationship. Dumplings symbolize reunion and harmony, and express people's yearning for family happiness.