According to the Chinese tradition，at the very beginning of a new year， when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky， there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out.
During the Lantern Festival， people will try to solve the puzzles on the lanterns and eat yuanxiao （glutinous rice ball）。
In the Sui Dynasty in the sixth century， Emperor Yangdi invited envoys from other countries to China to see the colorful lighted lanterns and enjoy the gala performances.
The fillings inside the dumplings or Yuansiao are either sweet or salty. Sweet fillings are made of sugar，Walnuts，sesame，osmanthus flowers，rose petals，or jujube paste etc.
A single ingredient or any combination can be used as the filling .
The salty variety is filled with minced meat，vegetables etc.