The wax moon is another name for the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, and the wax moon of the lunar calendar is a sacrificial month every year, and people will hold sacrifices in this month, especially to worship ancestors and gods. The origin of this month is related to the ancient ritual of sacrifice.
According to historical records, the custom of the wax moon sacrifice originated in the Qin and Han dynasties, and was later followed by successive dynasties. In ancient times, people would hold large-scale sacrificial ceremonies in the month of Layue, pray for the blessings of the gods, and sacrifice to ancestors for spiritual comfort. At the same time, there are also some unique customs and activities during the lunar month, such as the Laba Festival, Xiao Nian and so on. During the lunar month, people also carry out some special activities, such as making bacon, sugar melons, etc., which are related to the preparations for the New Year
Many people don't know why the first day of the lunar month is a small year.
The current Xiaonian is usually considered to be the first day of the lunar month, mainly because during the Qing Dynasty, the emperor formulated a relatively unified calendar in order to regulate the agricultural activities of the people, which stipulated that the small year was the first day of the lunar month.
In addition, in Chinese history, the customs and celebration dates have also differed in different regions. During the Qing Dynasty, the imperial court designated the small year as the first day of the lunar month, and promoted it nationwide as a standard. Over time, this custom was gradually accepted and passed down by the general population, and eventually evolved into the current fixed date.
As a result, the current Xiao Nian is usually considered to be the first day of the lunar month, which was determined by the Qing Dynasty. Although the scale of the celebration of the small year is not as large as other traditional festivals such as the Spring Festival, the tradition of sacrificing the stove and celebrating the small year is still preserved in some places. At the same time, the New Year is also an important time for family reunions, as people return home to reunite with their families and celebrate the festive season.
The mainland is a country of food, and there are many delicacies in Layue, such as bacon, sausages, sauces, sausages, glutinous cakes, rice cakes, etc., and there is an old saying: on the first day of the lunar month, "five dishes are not on the table, five blessings do not enter the door", which five dishes are being said? Let's take a look at it together.
1. Cabbage (Baicai)
The pronunciation of "Cai" and "Cai" in cabbage is similar, so eating cabbage means attracting wealth and treasure, hoping for good fortune in the new year.
In addition, cabbage is easy to grow in winter, nutritious, and has a sweet taste, which also symbolizes a good harvest and abundance. In some places, people will put Chinese cabbage in front of the door to indicate wealth and treasure, and put Chinese cabbage on the window to indicate farewell to the old and welcome the new.
In addition to eating cabbage, there are also some places that have the custom of eating dumplings on the first day of the lunar month, believing that eating dumplings can attract wealth and treasure. Cabbage-filled dumplings are more popular because the pronunciation of "filling" and "xian" is similar, implying that fortune is coming now.
2. Celery (industrious)
The pronunciation of the word "芹" is similar to "qin" in Chinese. In Chinese culture, "diligence" represents diligence and diligence, and is one of the virtues that people pursue. Therefore, eating celery means that you should be diligent and hardworking in the new year, both in work and study. This custom is meant to encourage people to be diligent and enterprising in the new year, to work hard, to defy difficulties, and to strive for better results.
In addition, the "celery" in celery is pronounced the same as "love" and represents beautiful emotions such as family, friendship, and love. Therefore, in some places, people will give celery as a gift to relatives and friends on the first day of the lunar month to express their concern and blessings to them. This custom not only reflects the importance that people attach to family affection, but also conveys the cherishing of friendship and the blessing of love.
3. Leeks (long and safe)
Leeks, as a common vegetable, are not only nutritious, but also have a unique texture and taste. The pronunciation of "leek" and "jiu" in leeks is similar, implying longevity and permanence.
Leeks are extremely vigorous plants that can grow even in the cold winter months. Therefore, leeks are seen as a symbol of perseverance and eternity. Eating leeks means hoping that the new year will be long and safe, and that it will be smooth and prosperous. This custom is meant to encourage people to maintain perseverance and perseverance in the new year, to be firm in their faith, to overcome difficulties and meet challenges.
Fourth, green onions (smart)
Green onions, as a common vegetable, are not only nutritious, but also have a unique texture and taste. And the pronunciation of "onion" and "sang" in green onion is similar, implying intelligence and wit.
In ancient times, green onions were seen as a symbol of wisdom and ingenuity. It is believed that eating green onions enlightens wisdom and makes people wiser and more resourceful. This custom is intended to encourage people to use their wisdom and talents in the new year, to keep learning and enterprising, and to improve their abilities and qualities.
Eating green onions in moderation is also good for your health, as green onions are rich in vitamin C, calcium, iron and other nutrients, which help to enhance immunity and promote blood circulation.
5. Four seasons beans (four seasons peace)
The name of the green bean has the word "four seasons", which means that the four seasons are safe and the year is safe. In traditional Chinese culture, peace and auspiciousness are one of the important goals pursued by people, so eating green beans also has the meaning of praying for peace.
Green beans are also highly prized for their crisp and nutritious taste. Green beans are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, which help boost immunity and metabolism. Therefore, eating green beans is also good for your health.
In addition, green beans are also associated with a good harvest and abundance. In ancient times, agriculture was the main mode of production for people, and green beans, as an important vegetable crop, represented a good harvest and abundance. It is believed that eating green beans can bring good harvests and wealth, so eating green beans on the first day of the lunar month also has the meaning of praying for good fortune and a smooth career.
In summary, the five dishes in the old saying "five dishes are not on the table, and five blessings are not entered" refer to cabbage (Baicai), celery (diligence), leeks (long peace), green onions (smart) and green beans (four seasons peace), although these customs have a certain superstitious color, but they also reflect people's pursuit and yearning for a better life. On the special day of the first day of the lunar month, eating these vegetables is not only a traditional custom, but also a kind of spiritual sustenance and blessing. I hope that the new year will be prosperous, auspicious, safe and healthy.