Festival season drives up order for ‘wild beast buns’
2025-01-23 19:01:23
With the Spring Festival approaching, orders for Yichang's traditional snack Maogou Tuanzi have surged. This food, which translates to "wild beast buns," is being shipped to Singapore, Kazakhstan, and various foreign markets, as well as major cities across China, leading to a supply shortage.
The skill of making Maogou Tuanzi is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Yichang City.
Traditionally, on the evening of the Lantern Festival — the eve of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, which marks the end of the Spring Festival — people burn bamboo and straw to ward off "mao gou." While "mao gou" literally means "hairy dogs," it more broadly refers to wild beasts that pose a threat. By dispelling these spirits, people hope to ensure a prosperous year. After this ritual, hosts serve Maogou Tuanzi as a special thank-you gift to their guests. This lively event, enjoyed by all ages, is a cherished tradition passed down through generations.
Made from buckwheat and corn flour and filled with cured meat, the Maogou Tuanzi from Shuiyuesi Town evokes fond memories.
The skill of making Maogou Tuanzi is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage of Yichang City.
Traditionally, on the evening of the Lantern Festival — the eve of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, which marks the end of the Spring Festival — people burn bamboo and straw to ward off "mao gou." While "mao gou" literally means "hairy dogs," it more broadly refers to wild beasts that pose a threat. By dispelling these spirits, people hope to ensure a prosperous year. After this ritual, hosts serve Maogou Tuanzi as a special thank-you gift to their guests. This lively event, enjoyed by all ages, is a cherished tradition passed down through generations.
Made from buckwheat and corn flour and filled with cured meat, the Maogou Tuanzi from Shuiyuesi Town evokes fond memories.
