花馍：蒸出来的千年文化传承_奇速读时文快乐学英语

时文摘要

春节的烟火尚未燃起，中国的厨房里早已升腾起袅袅蒸汽。一双双巧手将面团揉捏塑形，化作动物、花卉等栩栩如生的模样 — 这便是承载着美好寓意的花馍。

Long before the Spring Festival fireworks begin, a special tradition comes to life in Chinese kitchens. The air fills with steam as families prepare hua mo — colorful steamed buns shaped into animals, flowers, and symbols. These are not just food; they carry centuries of cultural meaning and are now recognized as an important part of China’s cultural heritage.

Hua mo is much more than just its beautiful appearance. These buns are a symbol of good luck and success. In ancient times, people offered them to gods and ancestors during ceremonies. Today, they remain a popular gift during holidays, weddings, and birthdays, bringing blessings and joy.

Making hua mo is a creative art. Using wheat dough, skilled hands knead (揉), color, shape, and steam the buns into lively figures. In places like Wenxi county in Shanxi Province, this craft has been passed down for over 1,000 years. Different shapes carry different wishes: a pomegranate (石榴) means many children and grandchildren, while a chrysanthemum expresses long life for the elderly.

Although times have changed, hua mo continues to develop. Now people use healthier ingredients like whole wheat and vegetables. The designs also mix modern characters with traditional patterns. Thanks to new packaging, these buns can be enjoyed all year round. Yet through all the changes, hua mo remains a delicious and meaningful way to celebrate Chinese culture and family traditions.

1. 1. What is hua mo mainly prepared for before the Spring Festival?

A For daily meals.

B For cultural traditions.

C For home decoration.

D For making money.

2. 2. What was hua mo used for in ancient times?

A As holiday gifts.

B As wedding food.

C As ceremony offerings.

D Daily snacks.

3. 3. What can we learn about Wenxi county?

A It values cultural heritage.