【Explanation】The art of pasta in China is not only delicious, but some are also very beautiful, and it is very ornamental. Huaman is one of them. People pinch out buns with different shapes like animals, like flowers, like figures, to pin hopes and blessings. This is called "flower buns". On July 8, the reporter saw Han Tongtong, a folk craftsman making flower steamed buns, in Shijiazhuang, Hebei.
[Same period] Han Tongtong, a folk entertainer
My ancestral home was Yantai, Shandong. Since I was young, I have been exposed to flower steamed buns because of my grandmother's mother. Since I was a child, I liked flower buns very much.
【Explanation】Huaman was first recorded in the Han Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing dynasties. It has a history of more than 1,000 years. It originated from the folk sacrificial activities at the earliest, and replaced the custom of slaughtering cattle, sheep and other animals with dough plastic animals. In northern China, folk festivals still have the custom of steamed steamed buns.
[Same period] Han Tongtong, a folk entertainer
From the beginning it was mainly used for sacrificial offerings, and nowadays, flower steamed buns can be used for weddings and funerals, full moons of children, hundred days, birthdays, birthdays, etc. Many people use flower steamed buns as Chinese cakes.
[Commentary] Han Tongtong introduced that the current steamed buns are mainly divided into two categories, one is the arts and crafts steamed buns for appreciation; the other is the traditional steamed buns fermented and steamed from flour, and she improves the traditional steamed buns Innovation, combined with fruit and vegetable juice, milk, honey, eggs, to produce edible colorful flower buns.
[Same period] Han Tongtong, a folk entertainer
Like the edible (flower buns) we make now, they are usually made with fresh vegetable and fruit (squeezed) juice and noodles. For example, green is made with spinach (juice), red is made with red yeast rice noodles, and yellow is made with pumpkin juice.
[Explanation] It is understood that the production of flower buns requires kneading by hand. The tools used are also very special, such as scissors, chopsticks, combs, bamboo sticks, etc. Through the processes of rubbing, twisting, shearing, pressing, and rolling, the ordinary dough is kneaded into exquisite artworks.
[Same period] Han Tongtong, a folk entertainer
There are more than 100 processes in the production of flower steamed buns. I think the most important thing is the early creation. In order to make a set of flower steamed buns more vivid and realistic, I often go out to sketch in addition to creating flower steamed buns in the studio. Observe the status of some flowers, birds, fish and insects.
【Explanation】Participating in the flower bun competition, participating in the non-legacy exhibition, and giving lectures. In addition to her work, Han Tongtong improves her skills through continuous learning and communication. She also often teaches students in primary and secondary schools. Han Tongtong hopes to let more people understand the traditional folk culture such as flower buns in a variety of ways.
Xing Lu reports from Shijiazhuang, Hebei
Editor in charge: [Li Ji]