糖瓜是中國北方地區的傳統美食，主要原料是麥芽糖，摻上一些黃米熬制而成。俗話說 “二十三 糖瓜粘”，中國有個民間傳說，灶王爺每年臘月二十三便上天向玉皇大帝稟報人們的生活起居、善惡行徑，所以人們用又粘又甜的糖瓜祭祀灶王，讓它“上天言好事， 下地保平安”。中國人在小年這天祭灶神、吃糖瓜，祈福新的一年平平安安，甜甜蜜蜜。(趙麗)

　　Sugar melon is a traditional snack in the northern regions of China. There's a saying that “sugar melon is served on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month.” According to a Chinese folk legend, on this day, the Kitchen God would report people's daily lives and deeds to the Jade Emperor in heaven. Therefore, people offer sticky and sweet sugar melon to the Kitchen God, hoping for his sweet reports to heaven and blessings for a peaceful new year. That’s why sugar melon is traditionally served on this day in China. It represents a prayer for a safe and sweet year ahead.

責任編輯：【彭大偉】