750年前的粽子是甜的还是咸的？博物馆讲解员说……

As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, people visiting the De'an County Museum in Jiangxi province often gather around a particular display case to marvel at its contents: a pair of 750-year-old zongzi.

这对菱角形粽子长6厘米、宽3厘米，是在1988年考古发掘的当地一座南宋时期的墓葬中出土的。据专家推测，它们是目前世界上考古发现最古老的三角粽。

The triangular rice dumplings in the museum, which are roughly 6 centimeters long and 3 centimeters wide, were unearthed in 1988 from a tomb built during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279).

The woman buried in the tomb, surnamed Zhou, was found clutching a 40-cm peach branch with the dumplings tied to it.

According to the tomb inscription, Zhou was the daughter of a local official, hailing from today's Wuning county in the city of Jiujiang, and was buried in 1274.

"These are the oldest known triangular rice dumplings discovered in an archaeological context, and they are remarkably well-preserved. They provide valuable insights into the diet of the Song Dynasty (960-1279)," said Wang Zerong, director of the museum.

Li Jia, a museum guide, explained why the rice dumplings were found in the tomb: "The inscription mentions that the tomb owner died in the fourth lunar month. Since the burial coincided with the Dragon Boat Festival, archaeologists believe she might have loved rice dumplings, which also symbolize mourning and remembrance. Hence, her family included them in her burial."

Li added that the pairing of the dumplings symbolizes good wishes for the deceased. "These rice dumplings are the highlight of our museum. Most visitors are captivated by them and spend a long time admiring them."

记者：赵睿楠

编辑：朱迪齐 左卓

实习生：刘轩而