Tofu, as a food with a long history, symbolizes innocence and simplicity in China traditional culture. People in Nanjing believe that eating tofu during the winter solstice can bring peace and auspiciousness and enhance family harmony. The soft taste and mild properties of tofu also meet the needs of health preservation in winter. Therefore, tofu occupies a very important position on the table of Nanjing Winter Solstice.
There is also a widespread legend about the custom of eating tofu on the winter solstice in Nanjing. According to legend, in the Ming Dynasty, an official named Liu Ji was falsely accused by corrupt officials because he didn't want to go along with corrupt officials. On the winter solstice, in order to show his innocence, Liu Ji went to the temple with an account book in his left hand and a crock in his right hand.
The crock is filled with shallots and tofu, which means a simple and innocent life. After Zhu Yuanzhang saw it, he thought that Liu Ji was a loyal person who had been wrongly accused, so he had the saying that green onions cooked tofu, and it was clear. From then on, Nanjing people began to eat tofu in the winter solstice to show their respect for honesty.
Today, Nanjing people still keep the tradition of eating tofu on the winter solstice. Tofu can be cooked in a variety of ways, for example, tofu soup with green vegetables symbolizes peace, while fried tofu with onion symbolizes abundance and calmness. Tofu is not only a kind of food, but also bears Nanjing people's good expectations for life and deep respect for tradition.
Cultural symbol of the winter solstice:
1, turning point of farming: The winter solstice has an important symbolic significance in farming culture, marking the turning point of agricultural activities in a year. It represents the official start of winter and the coming of slack season, and it is also a crucial period for farmers to prepare for spring ploughing, maintain land and sum up their farming experience for one year.
2. Alternation of Yin and Yang: In the traditional culture of China, the winter solstice symbolizes the ultimate transformation of Yin and Yang. This day is the shortest day and the longest night in the whole year, which means that Yin qi reaches its peak, while Yang qi begins to recover gradually. This alternating process of yin and yang is regarded as the rebirth and renewal of the vitality of nature, which has a far-reaching impact on people's daily life and health care concept.
3. Reunion and Sacrifice: The winter solstice is regarded as an important family festival in many places, symbolizing reunion and respect for ancestors. People will hold ancestor worship ceremonies on this day to express their nostalgia and gratitude for their ancestors. At the same time, family members get together to enjoy sumptuous meals, such as glutinous rice balls in the south and jiaozi in the north. These customs emphasize the bond of family ties and the cohesion of the community.