The old man said: Dishes don't set three, chopsticks don't make five, and seats don't make six - the ancient wisdom of the table
In the land of China, there are many ancient sayings, which are like seeds of wisdom and are deeply rooted in people's hearts. Among them, the saying "dishes do not put three, chopsticks do not become five, and seats do not become six", although short, contains a profound table culture and philosophy of life. Today, let's explore the deep meaning of this proverb.
First of all, let's talk about "dishes don't put three". In the concept of the ancients, the number three was not auspicious. Three is often homophonic with "scatter" in Chinese, giving people a sense of discrete and disintegration.
At major festivals or celebrations, people value reunion and integrity, so it is not common for only three dishes to be served on the table. At the same time, the three-course meal is too shabby and not suitable for a grand occasion.
Of course, the concept of modern society is open, and these particulars are no longer mandatory rules, but when we gather with family and friends, we may wish to prepare more dishes to make the table more abundant, and also imply the fulfillment and beauty of life.
Next is "Chopsticks don't make five". The "five" here is homophonic with "nothing", giving people a sense of lack and incompleteness. At the dining table, if there are only four chopsticks, then the fifth person will have no chopsticks to use, which is clearly inappropriate.
Therefore, when preparing utensils, the owner usually prepares several extra pairs of chopsticks to ensure that everyone gets a pair. This is not only hospitality, but also the respect and care that the host has for the guests.
At the same time, it also tells us that in life, we should be more considerate of others and be careful and thoughtful.
Finally, there is "Xi does not become six". In ancient banquets, one person sat at each end of the rectangular table, two people on the left and right, for a total of six people.
Although this seating arrangement can seat everyone, it gives people a sense of alienation, as if everyone has their own agendas and lacks communication with each other. Therefore, the ancients considered such a seating arrangement to be inappropriate.
In modern society, although we are no longer bound by this seating arrangement, we can learn from it: in interpersonal communication, we should pay attention to communication and communication with each other, and avoid embarrassment or estrangement caused by seating arrangement or other reasons.
To sum up, although the saying "dishes do not set three, chopsticks do not become five, and seats do not become six", although simple, it contains profound culture and philosophy.
It tells us that in life, we need to pay attention to details, take into account the feelings of others, and be thoughtful and considerate. At the same time, we must also learn to communicate and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and estrangements caused by some small negligence.
In the fast-paced modern world, we may be accustomed to fast food culture, but when we gather with family and friends, we might as well slow down and savor this ancient wisdom. Let us enjoy the food at the same time, but also feel the warmth and care from the bottom of our hearts.
I hope this article will make more people understand this old saying and make it a beacon in our lives, guiding us towards a better and more harmonious life.