Nantong sweet dumpling [Photo/mlhaohe.com]

Nantong sweet dumpling is the sweet dumpling made of glutinous rice or grain sorghum. Sweet dumpling in Nantong is made of glutinous rice bits. In Qidong and Haimen, they make red sweet dumpling with grain sorghum bits. Tender and glutinous, Nantong people love this form of dumplings very much. In different seasons, the making and eating method of sweet dumpling is different.

The dumplings are eatedn during the breakfast of Winter Solstice, signifying reunion.

During the breakfast of the first day of lunar January, people eat “Offspring Sweet Dumpling”, that is, eat the solid sweet dumplings of different sizes with sugar, to express the meaning of grand generativity, family reunion and happiness. On the 13th day of lunar January, they eat “Lighting Sweet Dumpling”.

On the Lantern Festival, they eat “Douxin Sweet Dumpling”. The stuffing of sweet dumpling can be made of sesame cake bits, bean paste, shepherd's-purse and shrimp, and fresh meat. During weddings, they eat “Prosperity Sweet Dumpling”.