What is mugwort leaf on the door? Origin and meaning
If you've ever seen ancient Chinese history, novels, or movies, you may have noticed that in some scenes, there are things that look like herbs stuck in the doors. These things are called mugwort leaves, so what does it mean to put mugwort leaves on the door?
origin
Inserting mugwort leaves on the door is a custom handed down from ancient China. According to historical records, this custom can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. At that time, people believed that Ai Ye had the effect of dispelling evil spirits and driving away evil spirits, and could protect the safety and happiness of his family.
Mugwort leaf is an herb with a rich aroma, which is believed by Chinese medicine to have the effect of warming the yang, dispelling cold and dehumidification, repelling mosquitoes and brightening the purpose. Therefore, in ancient times, people hung mugwort leaves on doors to pray for the safety and health of their families.
significance
In addition to keeping your family safe, sticking mugwort leaves in the door has other meanings.
First of all, mugwort leaves have obvious mosquito repellent functions, so plugging in mugwort leaves can effectively prevent mosquito bites. In addition, since mugwort leaves have a fragrant taste, it can also eliminate odors in the house.
Secondly, inserting mugwort leaves on the door also has certain aesthetic value. In ancient architecture, the door was a very important element, and people used different artistic techniques to decorate the door to highlight the status and mean auspiciousness. Therefore, the insertion of mugwort leaves on the door has also become a decorative object, adding a natural beauty to the door.
Finally, inserting mugwort leaves into the door can also pass on culture. Mugwort leaves are part of the traditional culture of the Chinese nation, and inserting mugwort leaves on the door is also an important part of ancient Chinese home feng shui. As a result, this custom has been passed down from generation to generation and continues to this day.
conclusion
Although the custom of inserting mugwort leaves on the door is not as popular as in ancient times, it is still part of traditional Chinese culture, reflecting the fusion of folk culture and ancient architectural culture. In modern society, we can extend the meaning of inserting mugwort leaves in the door from simply praying for the safety of the family to other aspects, such as mosquito prevention, decoration, and cultural inheritance. Even in modern times, it is necessary to respect and inherit traditional Chinese culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Is the mugwort leaf inserted on the door only used in China?
Answer: The custom of hanging mugwort leaves on the door is mainly popular in East Asian countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea.
Question: Are there any precautions for inserting mugwort leaves on the door?
Answer: When inserting mugwort leaves, be careful not to affect the normal use of the door. In addition, mugwort leaves should not be hung for too long, in general, they need to be replaced regularly.
Question: Are there any other uses for mugwort?
Answer: In addition to inserting mugwort leaves on the door, mugwort leaves can also be used in Chinese medicine fumigation, massage, beauty and other aspects. However, be sure to consult a professional before using it.