College of Staten Island Professor of Nonfiction Ava Chin recently lent her knowledge of Tang Yuan to Smithsonian Magazine’s travel section, in a piece written by Catherine Duncan. A culinary delight associated with Lunar New Year, Tang Yuan is a staple in Chinese households during the 15-day Lunar New Year celebration, a tradition believed to date back to the Song dynasty (960-1279 C.E.), a celebration that culminates with the Yuanxiao (Lantern) Festival.

Prof. Chin shares with Smithsonian Magazine the legend of Tang Yuan’s origins, along with the historical and symbolic meanings it holds in Chinese households.

To read the full story, visit the Smithsonian Magazine‘s Website.