Honoring ancestors with Qingtuan: a Chinese tradition

China’s Qingtuan is a lovely, jade-colored treat consumed to mark the dead during spring’s Qingming Festival or Tomb Sweeping Day.

In Chinese culture, the Qingming Festival, or Tomb Sweeping Day, holds significant importance as families gather to honor and remember their ancestors. 

As this springtime festival approaches, households across China prepare a special delicacy known as Qingtuan, a sweet, jade-colored treat that serves as a symbolic offering to the deceased.

A Tradition of Remembrance and Reverence

Lillian Luk, founder of the London pop-up Shanghai Supper Club, emphasizes the cultural significance of honoring ancestors during the Qingming Festival. 

Traditionally, families embark on pilgrimages to the graves of their loved ones, where they perform rituals such as cleaning the tombstones, burning incense, and presenting offerings. 

While tomb sweeping remains a cherished custom, Luk recalls her family’s alternative practice of venerating ancestors at home through rituals and the preparation of special foods like Qingtuan.

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The Origins and Significance of Qingtuan

Originating from the Jiangnan region of eastern China, Qingtuan holds a special place in the culinary traditions of this coastal area. 

The vibrant green color of the dumplings is achieved through the addition of mugwort, a fragrant herb abundant in springtime. Beyond its visual appeal, mugwort imparts a distinctive aroma to the dumplings and is believed to offer medicinal benefits such as lowering blood pressure. 

The use of glutinous rice flour in the dough reflects the region’s rich agricultural heritage, where rice plantations thrive, giving rise to a variety of rice-based delicacies.

Preserving Tradition and Sharing Cultural Heritage

Despite evolving cultural landscapes, the tradition of preparing and enjoying Qingtuan remains deeply rooted in Chinese culture, serving as a poignant reminder of the importance of familial bonds and ancestral reverence. 

For Luk, sharing this cherished delicacy through her pop-up restaurant allows her to celebrate her cultural heritage while introducing others to the rich traditions associated with the Qingming Festival.

Conclusion: Nurturing Connections Through Culinary Tradition

As families gather to pay homage to their ancestors during the Qingming Festival, the preparation and consumption of Qingtuan serve as a tangible expression of reverence and remembrance. 

Beyond its culinary appeal, Qingtuan embodies the enduring spirit of Chinese tradition, fostering connections across generations and preserving cultural heritage for years to come.