Calamus, also known as calamus wine, calamus water, calamus tea, etc., is a perennial herb that grows in water, mainly distributed in southern China, especially in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian and other places, calamus is poisonous all over the body, calamus and wormwood Dragon Boat Festival is indispensable to them, 4 yuan a handful is very popular, do you know why?
Calamus grows in lakes, ponds, rivers and other waters. Its leaves have a unique shape and emerald green color, which has high ornamental value. Calamus has a long history and rich symbolism in Chinese culture. During the Dragon Boat Festival, calamus is widely used in traditional folk activities and customs.
The Dragon Boat Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is a traditional Chinese festival that originated in honor of Qu Yuan, the poet of the ancient Chu state. Qu Yuan was a loyal patriot who committed suicide by throwing himself into the Miluo River for opposing the destruction of the State of Chu by the State of Qin. In order to commemorate Qu Yuan, people held dragon boat races, hanging mugwort leaves, eating rice dumplings and other activities.
First, calamus plays an important role in the Dragon Boat Festival?
On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, wormwood and calamus are indeed very popular, longer and shorter calamus, can be sold for a price ranging from 2 ~ 4 yuan, calamus is very popular with people, is on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival bought back and hung on the door, to ward off evil and avoid evil, the leaves of calamus are shaped like a sword, symbolizing bravery and justice, able to drive away germs and evil qi. In addition, calamus is also believed to have the effect of refreshing the mind and driving away moisture. In traditional Chinese medicine, calamus is often used to treat neurasthenia, insomnia and other diseases, with the following meanings.
1. Drive away evil spirits and avoid pestilence.
In ancient times, the Dragon Boat Festival was an important node for epidemic prevention. Calamus is believed to have the effect of repelling evil spirits and preventing and disinfecting epidemics, so during the Dragon Boat Festival, people will stick calamus on the door to repel germs and evil spirits.
2. Represents bravery and loyalty.
The leaves of calamus resemble swords and are believed to have symbolic meaning of bravery and justice. People stick calamus on the door, which means to ward off evil and avoid evil, and bravely face difficulties.
3. Convey friendship and family affection.
During the Dragon Boat Festival, people will give calamus to each other to show their love and blessings to relatives and friends. This custom embodies the values of family harmony and neighborhood friendliness in traditional Chinese culture.
Second, the characteristics of calamus?
1. Leaves.
The leaves of calamus are sword-shaped and can reach 50–100 cm long and about 1–3 cm wide. The surface of the leaves is smooth and shiny. The veins are reticulated, and the texture between the veins is clearly visible.
2. Inflorescences.
The inflorescences of calamus are spike-shaped and usually bloom in summer. There are many small flowers on the inflorescence, pale yellow or white.
3. Fruit.
The fruit of calamus is a capsule that is brown when ripe and has many fine hairs on the surface. The fruit contains seeds, which are brown or black.
Third, what is the purpose of calamus?
1. Ornamentation.
Calamus has beautiful forms and bright colors, and is often used in the configuration of garden landscapes, such as water features, rock gardens, etc.
2. Medicinal use.
Calamus has certain medicinal value and is believed to have the effect of clearing heat and detoxification, diuretic and draining. In TCM, calamus is often used to treat conditions such as swollen throat, headache, insomnia, rheumatism, etc.
3. Spices and seasonings.
The leaves of calamus can be used as a spice and seasoning and have a unique aroma. In Asia, the leaves of calamus are used to make calamus tea, calamus wine, etc.
4. Cultural symbols.
In traditional Chinese culture, calamus is given symbolic meaning of warding off evil spirits, bravery and loyalty. During the Dragon Boat Festival, people stick calamus on the door to repel germs and evil spirits.
The stems and roots of calamus also have certain medicinal properties. According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica", calamus has the effect of calming the mind and intellect, dissolving phlegm and opening the secret. In traditional medicine, calamus is widely used to treat symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and insomnia.
Calamus is also used in garden landscapes. Its emerald green leaves and unique shape add a sense of freshness and serenity to the garden. In addition, calamus is also highly valuable in the design of water features, and can be used together with aquatic plants such as lotus flowers and water lilies to create a beautiful water landscape.
In general, in addition to calamus, there are many other traditional activities and customs during the Dragon Boat Festival, such as eating rice dumplings and racing dragon boats. Zongzi are wrapped in glutinous rice and various fillings and are the main food of the Dragon Boat Festival. Dragon boat racing is a kind of race on the water, usually in honor of Qu Yuan, because it is said that he committed suicide by throwing himself into the river during this festival, and the Dragon Boat Festival has a close connection with calamus, which plays an important role in this festival, reflecting the rich connotation of traditional Chinese culture and folk wisdom, do you think my analysis is correct? Welcome to exchange and discuss in the comment area.