There are many customs in rural areas, all of which have local characteristics. There is only one custom that is similar to all rural areas, and that is the killing of New Year pigs during the New Year. There are three reasons for the custom of killing New Year pigs in rural areas. First, The first point is because it is needed to make bacon, the second point is because it is more affordable to raise pigs at home, and the third point is that killing New Year pigs has become a custom during the New Year, which can bring joy to the family reunion day.
First of all, let’s talk about the first reason. In rural areas, there is usually a custom of making bacon during the Chinese New Year. Curing is to make bacon. The common bacon in rural areas includes chicken, duck, pork, etc. etc., but the largest quantity is still bacon. Cured pork is the most popular. First of all, it tastes good. Many people must have tasted the taste of bacon. Cured pork is different from fresh pork. It has an extra salty flavor. The aroma and taste are very good, and the preservation time is longer. Therefore, killing pigs to make bacon during the New Year is a must in rural areas.
Let’s talk about the second reason. It is more affordable to raise pigs at home. Pork is a relatively expensive food. Especially in recent years, the price of pork has risen sharply. Therefore, it is more affordable for rural people to raise a pig at home, because it is more convenient to raise pigs if they live in rural areas. Domestic pigs are also relatively simple to eat. Another feature is that they are easy to raise. It does not cost much to raise a pig all year round. Well, when the Chinese New Year comes, killing a New Year pig can not only be used to make bacon at home, but also sell some to get some money to buy New Year goods.
Finally, let’s talk about the third reason. The custom of killing pigs during the New Year has been passed down from generation to generation for a long time. It has some traditional customs in rural areas. Killing a New Year pig every time is very consistent with the Chinese New Year atmosphere, and killing a New Year pig has become an important project in rural areas during the Chinese New Year. Therefore, every time a New Year pig is killed, the elderly at home will call their children, grandchildren, and new friends from far away to come home. Having a pig-killing meal together is also an opportunity to reunite.