Jiaozi

How jiaozi can resemble heritage, wealth and family

by Fan Gao

Half bitten jiaozi with the interior fillings shown, November 7, 2023, by Fan Gao.

Did you know that jiaozi, the Chinese dumpling, was originally created for medicinal purposes? The well-known legend related to the origin of dumplings suggests that it was first made by Zhang Zhongjing, the medicine saint of the ancient Han Dynasty. During one winter season, Zhang discovered many people suffering from frostbite. In response, he crafted jiaozi using a recipe containing ingredients that help warm the body and enhance blood flow. Zhang then distributed these jiaozi to the poor during the New Year's festivities ("The Extraordinary Jiaozi"). As a symbol of warmth, jiaozi has become widely popular in the northern part of China and is considered a must-eat during important Chinese festivals such as Winter Solstice and Chinese New Year for northern families ("The Extraordinary Jiaozi").

Jiaozi's popularity extends beyond China, with various dumpling variations found across the world, including Japanese gyoza, Korean mandu, and Indian muthia. These dumplings typically feature a salty taste with meat encased in dough. Some variations, like gnocchi, matzo balls, and European sweet dumplings, have evolved over centuries in different environments, deviating from Zhongjing's original creation (source). Despite these variations, the widespread love for jiaozi demonstrates how people from diverse cultures embrace it and integrate it into their culinary traditions.

To achieve popularity in numerous countries and cultures, jiaozi boasts a unique flavor that many find irresistible. It's like a box of surprise presents, jiaozi initially lacks a significant smell when prepared and tastes like plain dough upon the first bite. However, after that initial bite, the aroma of meat emerges, and the juice mixed with meat explodes on the tongue. Jiaozi's composition of dough, meat, and vegetables makes it a nutrient-rich option suitable for a full meal. Its versatility in filling preparation, where anything from the refrigerator can be used, adds to its appeal. The shape of jiaozi, resembling gold and silver ingots symbolizing wealth, contributes to its association with prosperity for the upcoming year (Wang). Additionally, Jiaozi symbolizes wealth because one of the first paper currencies of the ancient Northern Song Dynasty is also called jiaozi (“The Extraordinary Jiaozi").

Raw jiaozi placed on sheets made of bamboo before boiled or steamed to be ready to eat, November 7, 2023, by Fan Gao

For me, jiaozi signifies more than just wealth and a delicious meal. It represents family reunion and bonding. Since jiaozi is made during festivals, this is one of the only times of the year that I get to go back to China and reunite with my family members. Making jiaozi involves a collaborative effort within the family, with multiple steps requiring teamwork (Xu). During Chinese New Year, everyone in the family traditionally participates in making jiaozi—some mix the fillings, others roll the dough, and some shape it into ingots (Xu). While preparing the dumplings, we enjoy watching the Chinese New Year show or other traditional festival TV programs. A highlight of the jiaozi-making experience is the accompanying game, where the maker places three coins of different values into three jiaozi. Those who eat the jiaozi with a coin are believed to be lucky and wealthy in the upcoming year (Wang). My brothers and I always eat until we're on the verge of throwing up, striving to "win" by discovering the highest valued coin.

Beyond being a mere food item, jiaozi embodies heritage and serves as a pathway to cultural identity. Learning how to makethese dumplings allows younger generations to connect with their Chinese identity. Additionally, the practice of making jiaozi raises awareness of traditional festivals, preserving cultural cuisine and practices. Moreover, it reflects a core element of Chinese society—the cooperation and bonding of its people. In essence, jiaozi is not just a culinary delight; it's a cultural treasure, offering a taste of tradition, family, and prosperity, making it a truly extraordinary dish.

Works Cited

"The Extraordinary Jiaozi" BBC News, BBC, www.bbc.com/storyworks/happy-chinese-lunar-new-year/the-extraordinary-jiaozi. Accessed 29 Oct. 2023.

Gao, Fan. A photograph of how ingots shaped raw jiaozi are usually organized before being boiled or steamed. 7, November 2023. Author's personal collection.

Gao, Fan. A photograph of my family members each taking part in making jiaozi together on New Year's Eve. 22, January 2023. Author’s personal collection.

Gao, Fan. A phototgraph of the interioir fillings of a cooked jiaozi, 7, November 2023. Author's personal collection.

Wang, Moyan. "Chinese Dumpling", en.chinaculture.org, 25 August 2010, http://en.chinaculture.org/focus/focus/cities/201008/25/content_392152.htm Accessed 29 Oct.2023.

Xu, Chenjia. "Bao Jiaozi, the Material, Symbolic and Sensorial production of Festive Food." Anthropology of Food, Vol 2, no.17, Online since 24 November 2021, OpenEdition Journals, https://journals.openedition.org/aof/12282.

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