The word 'zongzi' in Chinese refers to a type of traditional food made of glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves. The leaves are first soaked in water to soften them, then filled with the rice and various fillings such as meat, egg yolk, beans, and mushrooms, before being tied up and boiled or steamed.

Zongzi is often eaten during the Dragon Boat Festival, which falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month in the Chinese calendar. This festival commemorates the ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan, who drowned himself in a river as a form of protest against political corruption. Legend has it that people threw zongzi into the river to prevent fish from eating Qu Yuan's body.

Today, zongzi has become a popular snack and meal for people all year round. It can be found in many variations across different regions of China and other parts of Asia. Some are sweet and filled with red bean paste or fruit, while others are savory and filled with pork or chicken. Regardless of the filling, zongzi is a delicious and comforting food that is loved by many.