Jiaozi, also known as dumplings, are a traditional food in China with a long history dating back to the Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD). According to legend, jiaozi were created by the physician Zhang Zhongjing in order to feed and warm the ears of the poor during the winter.
The dough wrappers were filled with various ingredients such as mutton, chili peppers, and garlic, and then cooked in boiling water. The finished jiaozi looked like small ears, and were believed to have medicinal properties that could help to ward off colds and other illnesses.
Jiaozi quickly became a popular and staple food in China, and are now enjoyed by people all over the world. There are many variations of jiaozi, with fillings ranging from meat and vegetables to seafood and sweet fillings. They can be boiled, steamed, or pan-fried, and are often served with dipping sauces. Jiaozi are a beloved food in China, and are enjoyed not only for their taste, but also for their cultural and historical significance.
在中國很多重要節日、節氣中，總少不了吃餃子這一傳統習俗，比如：大年除夕吃餃子，正月初五給財神爺拜壽要吃餃子，入伏要吃餃子，立秋要吃餃子，立冬要吃餃子，冬至也還是要吃餃子……餃子真是華人文化中的元寶！
餃子相傳是東漢時期的名醫張仲景發明的，當時每到冬天就有很多人凍壞耳朵，於是張仲景就用麵皮包上羊肉、胡椒等一些祛寒的食藥材，加上湯來煮食，取名「祛寒嬌耳湯」避免耳朵生凍瘡，嬌耳就是現在我們吃的餃子。
華人從古至今都崇尚祈福文化、吉祥文化，能包餡的餃子，自然少不了有人發揮創意，用餃子裡包的各種餡料來表達祝福的心意，比如：
- 芹菜餡代表著勤財，是對財富源源不絕的祈福；
- 韭菜餡有久財之意，是祈福長久的物質財富；
- 白菜餡是百財之意，期待著財源廣進；
- 香菇餡是鼓財之意，祈求股票大盤向上，事業蒸蒸日上；
- 酸菜餡有算財之意，就是數錢數到手抽筋；
- 羊肉餡是希望發洋財，非常適合海外的華人。