Tofu grinding tradition celebrates honesty and hard work

Layue, the twelfth month of the traditional Chinese calendar, began on December 31. It is also known for its many traditional customs, making it one of the most culturally rich months of the year. One of these customs is "tofu grinding."

Legend has it that the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the heavens, descends to earth before the Chinese New Year to inspect whether households uphold honesty, frugality, and diligence in their daily lives. Traditional beliefs emphasize showing compassion and offering rewards to those who work hard yet face poverty. To express thriftiness and seek the emperor's favor, it is customary for people to prepare bean curd, or tofu, an inexpensive food in China.