The food culture of the Tang Dynasty is characterized by "steamed dishes and small samples of Sichuan pictures", with the tail-burning feast being the mainstay.

When a scholar takes office as a new official or an official is promoted, he or she will host a banquet for relatives, friends and colleagues who come to congratulate them. There are three theories about the origin of this seemingly strange name:

One is that when a tiger turns into a human, its tail must be burned off;

The other is that when a sheep enters a new group, its tail must be burned. Only the burnt old tail is accepted;

Thirdly, it is said that the carp jumps over the dragon gate and its tail is burned by the fire from heaven before it can transform into a real dragon.

One is to celebrate one's ascension or promotion, and the other is to hold a banquet to honor the emperor when a court official is promoted. Both banquets are related to the sudden change of status from low to high, reflecting the pursuit of fame and fortune. This banquet is held indoors, so food is emphasized over utility rather than entertainment.

Extended information:

The Ming and Qing Dynasties are the continuation and development of the food customs of the Tang and Song Dynasties

Food culture is another peak and the continuation and development of the food customs of the Tang and Song Dynasties. development, and at the same time mixed with the characteristics of Manchu and Mongolia, the diet structure has changed greatly. The staple food of wild rice has been completely eliminated, pockmarked has withdrawn from the ranks of staple food and is replaced by oil extraction, and soybeans are no longer the staple food and become a dish;

The proportion of wheat in the Yellow River Basin in the north increased significantly. Noodles became the staple food in the north after the Song Dynasty. They were introduced on a large scale again in the Ming Dynasty. The cultivation of potatoes, sweet potatoes and vegetables reached a high level and became the main dishes. Meat: Artificially raised livestock and poultry have become the main source of meat. The Manchu-Han banquet represents the highest level of Qing Dynasty food culture.

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