Why do we eat sugar melons during the Xiaonian Festival? It is said that sugar cane and sugar melons are more compatible during the Xiaonian Festival.

Sugar melon, also known as Guandong sugar, is not only a sacrificial item, but also a must-eat New Year's delicacy. So, why do we eat sugar-coated melons during the Little New Year? What is the meaning of eating sugar melon during the Little New Year? Next, let’s learn about it together.

Why do we eat sugar melons during the Chinese New Year?

There is a folk saying that goes, "On the 23rd, sugar melons are sticky and the Kitchen God is going to heaven." Legend has it that on the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, the Kitchen God would return to heaven to report the situation of your family to the Jade Emperor. Therefore, every household would offer sugar melons to the Kitchen God, so that his mouth would be sweet and he would say only good things when he went to heaven, in order to pray for a sweeter year ahead. Moreover, sugar melons are usually kept outside in the winter because of the cold weather. The sugar melons solidify and have some tiny bubbles inside, making them crispy, sweet and crunchy, with a unique flavor. So, this is why we eat sugar-coated melons during the Little New Year.

Eat these traditional foods during the Chinese New Year

Stove Sugar

Stove candy, like sugar melons, are sacrificial items for commemorating the Kitchen God. Because it is a sugar product made from malt, it is sticky and sweet. It is said that using this kind of sugar to offer sacrifice to the Kitchen God is to stick his mouth shut so that he can "speak good things to the heavens and ensure peace in the world below."

sugar cane

In some places, on the day of sending off the Kitchen God, everyone has to burn incense and candles, prepare Yuanxiao, oranges, carrots, tea, and two pieces of sugarcane with tails. Sugarcane not only symbolizes "progressive advancement", but is also a must-have item for Kitchen God worship. It represents the Kitchen God climbing up to the heaven step by step, without end.

Twenty-fourth Regiment

"Eating dumplings on the 24th night" is a custom in many places in the south of the Yangtze River, symbolizing the reunion of a family and happiness. In Suzhou, the "Little New Year" is celebrated on the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month every year. Making, sending and eating dumplings are essential parts of the New Year.

Water Chestnut

In some places, water chestnuts are indispensable in the Kitchen God worship, as they symbolize "sweetness". If added with sugarcane, it also means "good luck continues from the beginning of the year to the end of the year."