Why do we eat dumplings at the beginning of autumn? Eating dumplings at the beginning of autumn is also called "putting on weight in autumn".

Why do we eat dumplings at the beginning of autumn? In addition to putting on weight, eating autumn fruits, wearing catalpa leaves, and drinking red bean soup on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, the custom of eating dumplings on the day of the Beginning of Autumn is popular in many places. Next, let’s take a look at the origin and meaning of eating dumplings at the Beginning of Autumn.

Why do we eat dumplings on the beginning of autumn?

The benefits of eating dumplings

Beginning of Autumn is a very important solar term, and it is popular among people in northern China to put on weight. Eating dumplings at the beginning of autumn is also a way to gain weight. During the dog days of summer, people generally have poor appetite and loss of appetite, so many people will lose weight. If you lose weight, of course you need to “replenish” it, and the way to “replenish” it is to “put on fat” on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, eat delicious food, with meat being the first choice, “putting on fat with meat”. The Beginning of Autumn falls during the dog days of summer, when temperatures are extremely hot, such as the continued high temperatures in the past two weeks. Most people have a poor appetite and therefore cannot eat much. Dumplings are not only available in many varieties, but are also particularly suitable for eating when you have no appetite, and are very appetizing. In addition, after the beginning of autumn, the dog days will almost be over. Many people will become thinner due to loss of appetite during the dog days.

Different regions’ opinions

1. In Shandong area, the custom of the Beginning of Autumn is to make dumplings, which the common people call "Biting Autumn". On the day of the Beginning of Autumn, people first offer sacrifices to their ancestors and pray for a good harvest after the Beginning of Autumn. Then after the worship, the whole family gathered together to eat dumplings.
2. In the Northeast, people usually eat dumplings or buns on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, which is called "grabbing autumn fat." It is said that if you eat more dumplings on the day of the Beginning of Autumn, you will have a strong body in the autumn and make up for the fat lost in the summer.

Other interesting customs and activities during the Beginning of Autumn

1. In the south, there is a custom of "eating autumn melons on the first day of autumn". People eat more watermelons on this day of autumn to prevent autumn dryness, and it has become a custom over time. The Capital Records published during the Republic of China period recorded: "The day before the beginning of autumn, eating watermelon is called 'eating autumn'." It also means welcoming the arrival of autumn.
2. The Beginning of Autumn not only indicates that the hot summer is about to pass, but also that autumn is about to come. It also means that the plants are beginning to bear fruit and the harvest season has arrived. Therefore, after the beginning of autumn, people have the custom of worshiping the land god and celebrating the harvest.