Shandong Province
QuanBei Village
DaZhao Village
Lang Village
LiShe Village
LuLiu Village
MiaoJia Village
Xiaozhan Village
Nie Jiazhuang Village
Gaomi City
Weifang City
Cultural Heritage
Symbolism is central to dough knots, and water-related symbolism is especially prominent due to Peng’s close proximity to the sea. Also, water is considered very lucky in China, symbolic of money and good fortune. Much of the symbolism used in decorating wedding knots reflects hope for the promises typically related to marriage: good luck, longevity, and fertility. 
For example, one of Peng’s knots is heavy in water symbolism, adorned with sea animals and shades of blue and purple, while the accompanying knot represents land and sky, bearing human figures and fertility symbols such as gourds and pomegranates. Characters from Journey to the West, one of China’s literary classics, are added to symbolize marital harmony and triumph over adversity.
Traditionally, Peng’s knots are given as wedding gifts to be divided and eaten by the bride, groom, and wedding guests so that everyone could share in the joyful celebration. Knots are given as a pair to symbolize the union of two people. In addition to being a central part of wedding ceremonies, various types of dough figures are made throughout China for occasions such as festivals, childbirth, and birthdays.
The dough figures are most prevalent in Northern locations because wheat is the primary crop. While the figures are often called “living fossils” due to the longevity of designs that span back to primitive Chinese art, they are also evolving in some places within Shandong Province as they grow into a commodity valued for craftsmanship.
