Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) At the start of the New Year, Renhuangshan Street, Nan Taihu New Area, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, was filled with the warmth of a "Thousand-Person Pig Feast" amidst the winter chill. With the theme of "Rediscovering the Flavor of the New Year," traditional customs and local flavors intertwined, unfolding a vivid festive scene for local villagers and tourists alike.
In the joyous atmosphere, the Rendong Green Dragon took the lead, soaring and leaping with the villagers' movements, drawing cheers from the crowd. It is said that the Green Dragon Dance originated from the ancient people's reverence and worship of dragons, symbolizing the wish for favorable weather and abundant harvests.
The procession of carrying the New Year's pig followed closely behind, with spectators taking out their phones to capture this festive moment. The rural market areas along the way were equally bustling: stalls were filled with local specialties such as free-range chickens from Taihu Lake, antibiotic-free eggs, grass-fed pork, rice cakes, and qingtuan (green glutinous rice dumplings). Tourists strolled around, stopping to select their favorite New Year's goods, taking a touch of the simple joys of the festival home with them.
This lively atmosphere was also punctuated by many international faces. Tourists from Italy, the UK, Iran, Russia, India, and other countries enthusiastically watched the dragon dance performance, cheering for the tumbling dragon and the resounding drums. They even tried their hand at pounding rice cakes, experiencing the softness and sweetness of the glutinous rice. Culture was understood through experience, and friendships blossomed through exchange. This scene became an international expression of "reunion" and "sharing."
After slaughtering the New Year's pig, the "Thousand-Person New Year's Pig Feast" officially began. More than ten carefully prepared auspicious dishes were served one after another. The steaming hot pot of braised pork belly, with its glossy red color and irresistible aroma, symbolized a prosperous and thriving new year. The tender braised pig's blood carried the auspicious wish of "good fortune arriving early." Everyone sat together, enjoying the authentic New Year's delicacies while chatting about the past year, laughter echoing throughout the banquet area.
"Seeing these traditional New Year customs and eating these authentic dishes, it's like reliving the lively atmosphere of New Year celebrations from my childhood," said tourist Wang Rong, echoing the sentiments of many.
It is understood that locally, the New Year's pig feast was originally a celebration of a bountiful harvest and hard work; now, it has become a link between tradition and the present, not only adding to the festive atmosphere but also boosting the sales of local agricultural products and attracting more tourists.
Starting from a New Year's pig feast, traditional folk customs are stepping out of memory and into the present. Xu Li, the person in charge of the event, stated that the "Thousand-Person New Year's Pig Feast" jointly organized with the street aims to allow everyone to pause in their busy lives, relive the festive atmosphere of the New Year, and experience the charm of traditional culture through traditional New Year customs and authentic cuisine. (End)
