Slight Heat is an important solar term in the 24 solar terms in China, marking the official entry of summer into the hot stage. It usually occurs on July 7 or July 8 every year. The arrival of Slight Heat means that summer has entered the peak of heat. At this time, the temperature rises, the sun is strong, and the earth is steaming with a fiery breath, giving people a warm and oppressive feeling.
Slight Heat is also the time of year when harvest celebrations and agricultural activities are held in various places. People celebrate the maturity and harvest of crops and thank nature for its gifts. Chinese people always love to commemorate festivals with food. Perhaps the joy of taste buds is more impressive.
During the Lesser Heat solar term, "eating new food" has become an important traditional custom. This is the harvest season for wheat in the north and rice in the south. Farmers will grind the newly harvested rice into rice, then slowly cook it with fresh water and hot fire, and finally make fragrant rice. Such rice represents the joy of harvest and gratitude to the God of Grains.
On the day of Lesser Heat, people will taste the fresh rice together and drink newly brewed wine. In addition to rice and wine, people will also enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods represent freshness and harvest, bringing people full energy and satisfaction. In the days that follow, rice is processed into rice noodles, or brewed into sake, plum wine, etc., to enrich people's tables.
Through the custom of "eating new food", people express their gratitude to nature and celebrate the harvest. At the same time, it also inherits the admiration and respect for traditional farming culture. People believe that by eating fresh food, they can absorb the rich energy contained in it and bring themselves good luck and happiness.
Another important food is dumplings and noodles. After the Lesser Heat, people will continue to adhere to the dietary customs, including eating dumplings and noodles. According to the saying, people eat different foods during the dog days after the Lesser Heat. In this hot weather, people often feel tired and have a poor appetite, while eating dumplings and noodles can stimulate the appetite and satisfy the appetite, which is also good for health. Therefore, during the dog days, people will grind the wheat they have just harvested into flour to make dumplings and noodles.
The 24 solar terms are the product of ancient Chinese agricultural civilization. They not only guide agricultural production, but also contain rich folk customs. As one of the solar terms, Xiaoshu reflects the ancient Chinese people's profound understanding and respect for the laws of nature.
Post time: Jul-06-2024