Buns of Blessing: Honoring Ancestors with Traditional Jinnan Huamo Art
Southern Shanxi residents gear up for Dragon Boat Festival by steaming traditional huamo buns crafted from local high-quality wheat.
With the approach of the Dragon Boat Festival, communities in southern Shanxi are alive with activity as families gather to craft Jinnan Huamo, the region’s highly regarded decorative steamed buns. In towns such as Yuncheng and Linfen, residents transform dough made from local wheat into intricate shapes—most notably, the fierce yet endearing tiger buns—which symbolize protection and good fortune. The streets and homes are filled with the aroma of freshly steamed huamo, marking both a continuation of tradition and a unique celebration of artistry.
Huamo holds a special place in local customs. More than just food, these buns serve as vibrant offerings to ancestors and as tokens wishing for rain, peace, and abundant harvests. During the festival, families young and old participate in shaping dough into elaborate animals, flowers, and auspicious symbols. Each design carries meaning: tigers, for instance, are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring strength, while lotus flowers represent purity and harmony. These traditions connect generations, passing down not only recipes but also the stories and values embedded in each motif.
The craft of Jinnan Huamo was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, cementing its status as more than a culinary treat. Throughout the year, huamo is an indispensable feature at major life events—including weddings, funerals, and the key festivals that mark the Chinese calendar. Artisans dedicated to the practice devote years, some even decades, to perfecting their skills. Their creations are often showcased at local markets and shops, drawing visitors and returning natives alike to witness the intersection of food and folklore.
As this year’s Dragon Boat Festival approaches, the renewed emphasis on traditional practices has brought fresh attention to Jinnan Huamo. Local workshops have reported a surge in interest, with newcomers eager to learn the craft and longtime artisans eager to share its significance. Through these buns of blessing, residents of Shanxi reaffirm their bonds to both heritage and community, ensuring that the spirit and symbolism of huamo continue to thrive for generations to come.
