Lingshi Dough Figurines

Lingshi Dough Figurines

　　Lingshi Dough Figurines

　　Locally known as "lamb cakes," in ancient times the character for "sheep" (羊) was synonymous with "auspiciousness" (祥), hence symbolizing good fortune. Before the Spring Festival, rural women would craft dough figurines in the shapes of kittens, puppies, tiger cubs, jade rabbits, chickens, ducks, fish, frogs, grapes, pomegranates, eggplants, and Buddha’s hands — all representing blessings, prosperity, wealth, and honor. During the Cold Food Festival, the dough figurine used for tomb-sweeping and ancestor worship is shaped like a "coiled snake." It is said that eating the "snake’s head" can "reduce poison and ward off disasters."