The beginning of summer, as one of the 24 solar terms in China, marks the official beginning of summer. Its birth can be traced back to the agricultural civilization of ancient China, and it originally originated from the observation and summary of astronomy and phenology by the ancients. Around the end of the Warring States period (around 239 BC), the beginning of the summer solar term was established, which is part of the solar calendar, divided according to the position of the sun on the ecliptic, when the sun reaches 45 degrees of ecliptic longitude, it is the beginning of summer, usually between May 5 and 6 of the Gregorian calendar.
The word "li" in Lixia means beginning, and "summer" represents the transition of seasons to hot summer. Ancient books record that "the fight refers to the southeast, the dimension is the beginning of summer, and all things have grown up so far", which vividly expresses the state of vigorous growth of all things in nature in the beginning of summer, crops enter a period of rapid growth, the temperature gradually rises, and the rain increases, providing good conditions for agricultural production.
In the long river of history, the beginning of summer is not only a symbol of the change of seasons, but also an important node for the ancients to carry out agricultural activities. In ancient times, the emperor would hold a summer ceremony on the day of the beginning of summer, and lead hundreds of civil and military officials to the suburbs to worship Emperor Yan, Zhurong and other gods, praying for a bumper harvest and peace for the country and the people. On May 5th, the beginning of summer, remember "1 drink, 2 eat, 3 taboos", follow the tradition, and the family will enter the summer safely.
"1 drink"
Drink water at noon. It is a traditional custom in some regions, especially in Taiwan. Noon water refers to the well water or mountain spring water drawn between 11 and 13 noon on the day of the beginning of summer. This custom stems from the special recognition of solar terms and time in traditional Chinese culture, which believes that the yang energy is strong in the beginning of summer, and the noon time is the time of the day when the yang energy is at its peak, and the water drawn at this time contains abundant yang energy and the aura between heaven and earth, so it is believed to have a special purifying and healing effect.
Folks believe that drinking noon water on the day of the beginning of summer can relieve heat and detoxify, strengthen the body, and even treat certain diseases. There is a proverb that "drinking water at noon is better to take tonic medicine for three years", emphasizing the preciousness and efficacy of water at noon. Some people store the water at noon for daily drinking or to make tea, believing that long-term consumption can bring health and good luck.
In addition to drinking it directly, the water is also used to make medicinal meals, sake brewing, and as pure water for worshipping ancestors and gods, as a way to express reverence for nature and prayers for health.
"2 Eats"
1: Eat eggs in the beginning of summer. There is a folk saying that "eating eggs in the beginning of summer, and not in the hot weather", it is believed that eating eggs on the day of the beginning of summer can prevent the common weakness and fatigue in summer and enhance physical fitness. In some places, there is also a game of "egg fighting", where children bump hard-boiled eggs against each other to see whose shell does not break, adding to the fun.
2: Taste three new. At the beginning of summer, many fresh fruits and vegetables are on the market, and people will taste seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, such as cherries, bamboo shoots, broad beans, etc., called "taste the three new", to celebrate the harvest and the gifts of nature.
"3 Essentials"
1: Do not sit on the threshold. In many places, it is taboo to sit on the threshold in the summer, especially children. Legend has it that doing so will cause you to feel tired and sick in the summer, affecting your mental state during the year. If your child accidentally sits on the threshold, it is necessary to sit on the seven thresholds to remove the taboo.
2: Avoid sunny days without rain. Some rural areas consider it unlucky not to rain in the beginning of summer, as rain is essential for the sowing and growth of crops. As the saying goes, "the beginning of summer does not fall, and the high fields do not rake", which means that the lack of rain in the beginning of summer may cause crops to be unable to sow normally and affect the harvest.
3: Avoid impetuousness and improper diet. At the beginning of summer, the weather is getting hotter, and people are prone to impetuousness and mood swings. Traditionally, it is believed that Lixia should focus on nurturing the mind and calming the mind and avoiding over-emotionality. At the same time, avoid eating excessively greasy, cold drinks and hot and humid foods to avoid harming the spleen and stomach and affecting your health.
Well, today's article is shared here, if it is helpful to you, welcome to like, forward, follow, if you have different opinions, please leave a message in the comment area, Xiao Jane and you will discuss together! Life is a barren and lonely trip, cold and warm self-knowledge, bitterness and happiness in the heart, take care of yourself......