Lixia Porridge

Lixia Porridge

　　The people of Leiyang have always placed great importance on agricultural activities and are particularly sensitive to the twenty-four solar terms. As each solar term approaches, people enjoy commemorating it through certain rituals and seasonal foods, which serve as intuitive and vivid reminders to stay mindful of farming duties, avoid missing key agricultural timings, and share the joy of life together. For example, during Lixia, which coincides with the busy rice transplanting season and hard farm work, every household prepares Lixia Porridge to express their good wishes for a bountiful harvest.

　　Lixia Porridge is made primarily with rice, along with over ten ingredients such as lean meat, glutinous rice balls, cellophane noodles, dried bamboo shoots, Chinese toon, pork offal, red dates, peas (called “snow beans” in Leiyang), bean sprouts, and eggs. Once cooked, it steams hot and fills the air with fragrance. Neighbors often exchange bowls of the porridge — not only to showcase their cooking skills but also to strengthen community bonds.

　　Source: Leiyang Party Building Website