The origin of Zongzi in China can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period (approximately 771- 476 BC). It was first used in ceremonies to worship ancestors and gods.
Since the Jin Dynasty (266 – 420 AD), rice dumpling had become an iconic food for Dragon Boat Festival. From ancient times on, every year at the beginning of the lunar calendar in May, each family in China has to prepare glutinous rice, wash the leaves, and make some rice dumplings to celebrate the Dragon-Boat Festival.