3月3日，农历正月十五，我们迎来了春节之后的第一个重要传统节日——元宵节。这一天，也是中国新年的第一个月圆之夜。

　　On March 3rd, the 15th day of the first lunar month, we celebrate the Lantern Festival, the first major traditional holiday following the Spring Festival. This day marks the first full moon of the Chinese New Year.

　　古人称夜为“宵”，所以把一年中第一个月圆之夜叫做元宵节。在这一天，最不可或缺的习俗就是吃元宵(汤圆)。那么，你有没有想过，为什么元宵一定是圆的？这小小的圆球里，到底藏着怎样的秘密？

　　In ancient times, the night was referred to as “xiao”,which is why the first full moon night of the year is called the Lantern Festival. On this day, the most essential custom is eating Yuanxiao (or Tangyuan). But have you ever wondered why Yuanxiao are always round? What secrets are hidden in these little round dumplings?

　　圆的秘密：不止是形状，更是“团圆”

　　The Secret of the Round Shape: Not Just a Shape, But “Reunion”

　　元宵节吃元宵的习俗大约形成于宋代，当时它被称为“浮圆子”。之所以煮熟后会浮上水面，因而得名。你看，天上的月亮是圆的，碗里的元宵也是圆的，这象征着人间团圆。

　　The custom of eating Yuanxiao on the Lantern Festival dates back to the Song Dynasty, when they were known as “floating rice balls” because they float on water after being cooked. Just like the round moon in the sky, the round Yuanxiao in our bowls symbolize family reunion.

　　在古人看来，“圆”代表着圆满、完整和和谐。一家人围坐在一起，吃着热气腾腾的元宵，不仅是味蕾的享受，更是心灵的慰藉。无论是一口咬下去流心的黑芝麻馅，还是软糯香甜的花生馅，那种甜滋滋的味道，就像是人们对新的一年生活红红火火、甜甜蜜蜜的期盼。

　　For the ancients, the shape of a “circle” symbolized completeness, unity, and harmony. Sitting together as a family and enjoying hot Yuanxiao is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a comfort for the soul. Whether it’s the black sesame filling that oozes out when you take a bite, or the soft and sweet peanut filling, the sweetness mirrors people’s hopes for a prosperous and sweet year ahead.

　　正如俗话说的“和气生财”，一个家庭的和睦与团圆，是幸福生活最重要的底色。所以，在今天一定要和家人吃上一碗热乎乎的元宵哦！

　　As the saying goes, “Harmony brings wealth”， and the harmony and reunion of a family are the foundation of a happy life. So, be sure to enjoy a warm bowl of Yuanxiao with your family today!

　　上海的“圆”：老城厢里的“滴立滚圆”

　　Shanghai’s “Round”： The “Drip-Roll Round” from the Old City

　　说到吃汤团，在上海的豫园可是藏着不少“老字号”的秘密。在城隍庙里，有一家鼎鼎大名的宁波汤团店，几十年来始终坚守着传统味道。

　　Speaking of Tangyuan, Shanghai’s Yuyuan Garden hides many secrets of “old brands”. In the Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple) area, there’s a famous Ningbo-style Tangyuan shop that has adhered to traditional flavors for decades.

　　你知道吗？一只完美的汤团，讲究的是“滴立滚圆”。据说，这里的老师傅和面要按比例混搭三种糯米粉，还要加一点香油，揉出来的糯米粉不仅黏性十足，还雪白粉嫩，又糯又有弹性。至于馅料，更要选用又黑又亮的新芝麻，配上新鲜的板油和剁碎的金橘饼，才能保证每个汤团都清香扑鼻。

　　Do you know? The perfect Tangyuan is made with the technique called “drip-roll round”. It is said that the master chefs here mix three types of glutinous rice flour in specific proportions and add a little sesame oil. The result is a dough that is not only sticky but also snow-white, soft, and elastic. As for the filling, only new, shiny black sesame is used, paired with fresh lard and chopped golden kumquat cake to ensure a fragrant aroma with every bite.

　　还有曾经的“汤团大王”乔家栅，也起源于上海老城厢。当年店主对汤团质量要求极高，如果发现有汤团竖着浮在水面上，就要处罚伙计，因为竖起来的汤团说明厚薄不匀、制作马虎。正是这种精益求精的态度，才让上海的汤团闻名遐迩。

　　Another famous old brand, “Tangyuan King” Qiaojiasha, also originated from Shanghai’s old city. The shop owner had very strict standards for the quality of Tangyuan. If any Tangyuan floated upright on the water’s surface, the staff would be punished, as it indicated uneven thickness and sloppy preparation. This pursuit of perfection has made Shanghai’s Tangyuan renowned far and wide.

　　冷知识：元宵是“滚”出来的，还是“包”出来的？

　　Fun Fact: Are Yuanxiao Rolled or Wrapped?

　　其实，元宵和汤圆在北方和南方略有不同，但都象征着团圆。

　　Actually, there’s a slight difference between Yuanxiao in the North and South, but they both symbolize reunion.

　　北方“滚”元宵：把切成小块的馅料蘸上水，放在盛满糯米粉的笸箩里滚来滚去，像滚雪球一样，一遍遍洒水、滚粉，最后滚成圆球。

　　In the North, Yuanxiao are “rolled”： small pieces of filling are dipped in water and then rolled in a basket filled with glutinous rice flour, like rolling snowballs. This process is repeated multiple times until they form round balls.

　　南方“包”汤圆：像包饺子一样，先把糯米粉和成面团，然后捏成小碗状，再把馅料包进去，搓圆。

　　In the South, Tangyuan are “wrapped”： like making dumplings, the glutinous rice flour is first kneaded into dough, shaped into small bowls, and the filling is wrapped inside, then rolled into a ball.

　　在上海，我们通常吃的汤圆更偏向南方的做法，软糯细腻，馅料也更加丰富，除了甜口的芝麻、豆沙，还有鲜香的鲜肉汤圆呢！

　　In Shanghai, we usually eat Tangyuan made in the Southern style. They’re soft, delicate, and filled with a variety of fillings, including sweet ones like sesame and red bean paste, as well as savory ones like fresh meat!

　　上海元宵节特色：不只是吃，更是“闹”

　　Shanghai Lantern Festival: More Than Just Eating, It’s About the “Celebration”

　　在上海，元宵节还有一句俗语：“看了元宵行街会才算真正过完了年”。在杨浦区，每年都会举办“元宵行街会”，这个习俗从明代就开始了。这一天，街上会有舞龙舞狮、踩高跷等各种表演，非常热闹。

　　In Shanghai, there’s a saying: “You haven’t truly celebrated the New Year until you’ve seen the Lantern Festival street performance”. In Yangpu District, there’s an annual “Lantern Festival Street Performance” that has been a tradition since the Ming Dynasty. On this day, the streets come alive with dragon and lion dances, stilt-walking performances, and more.

　　而在老上海人的记忆中，元宵节晚上，孩子们会拉着兔子灯走街串巷。兔子被视为吉祥之物，兔子灯所到之处，就意味着把吉祥和好运送到了那儿。

　　In the memories of old Shanghai residents, on Lantern Festival night, children would walk through the streets carrying rabbit lanterns. The rabbit is considered a symbol of good fortune, and wherever the rabbit lantern goes, it brings blessings and good luck.

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编辑：李秋莹