Once my
colleagues asked me to make dumplings for them but without giving me any help,
I refused at once. Apart from the realistic factors, I was quite surprised to realize
I have such a natural and strong rejection to the idea of making dumplings
alone, which bothered me to think about for quite a while. Well, this confusion
only got clarified after seeing the Chinese documentary series “A bite of China”,
a piece of fabulous work leading us to re-consider our food, people and culture
behind in a more sensational perspective. Now I know the image of dumplings rooted
in my mind is not merely a delicious food.
At my
grandparents’ period, dumplings were very luxury dinner that could only be
afforded till Spring Festival. Due to the deficiency of materials, the filling
of dumpling was usually a mixture based on whatever vegetable left at home and
freshly bought pork. Then the entire family would be motivated at once, some
making the dough, others mixing the filling, then everybody would sit down to
make dumplings together. So at that time, the dumping stands for very brilliant
wishes containing lots of typical Chinese philosophy. For instance, by mixing
something from the old year with some stuff from the new year, together with
the whole family’s hard working, the heaven would continuously award us a fantastic
life in the future.
As days
getting better and better, dumplings have appeared on our dining table more
frequently, with various flavors to choose. However, the only thing that hasn’t
changed in my family is that everyone would be involved. Even when my dad was
busy with work, mum and I would make dumplings together then send to him. I
think in my memory dumplings equal to a family entertaining activity.
