Xiaoshu is the eleventh solar term among the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms. Do you know what traditional customs this solar term has? The following brings you the specific content of the traditional Xiaoshu solar term. Interested players must not miss it!
1. New food customs
In ancient times, there was a folk custom in the south called shixin, which was to grind newly harvested grains into flour and make various pastas for neighbors, relatives and friends to share, in order to pray for a good harvest. At the same time, part of the new grain should be used to worship ancestors and pray for good weather. Excuse me, what does Xiaoshu mean? Xiaoshu is one of the 24 solar terms, which means the second or third day of the sixth lunar month every year. It marks the official start of summer, which means the weather is going to be hotter. In ancient Chinese farming society, Slight Heat was an important solar term. Its arrival meant that crops would enter a critical stage of growth and require more sunlight and water. People will perform some rituals and customs during this solar term, such as worshiping ancestors, praying for blessings, and eating cool foods. In modern society, although people are less dependent on farming life, Xiaoshu is still regarded as an important solar term and the beginning of people enjoying summer time. During Xiaoshu, the temperature gradually rises, which is the first important node of summer. At this time, when Yang Qi is prevalent and the temperature is high, people tend to feel tired and thirsty. Therefore, during the Slight Heat period, people usually take some measures to prevent heatstroke, such as paying attention to diet, drinking more water, and avoiding exposure to the sun. In addition, there are some customs and activities during Xiaoshu, such as enjoying the shade, outdoor outings, eating cold food, etc. These are all designed to alleviate the discomfort caused by hot weather. Slight Heat marks the official start of summer. People can enjoy the enthusiasm and vitality of summer, but they also need to pay attention to protecting their health. Xiaoshu is the eleventh solar term among the twenty-four solar terms, which means that summer has further intensified and hot weather has arrived. Among Chinese folk, agricultural activities during Xiaoshu are mainly based on rice. During this period, a large amount of water and sunlight are needed to promote the growth of rice. At the same time, people will also adjust their diet according to the characteristics of Minor Heat and choose some cooling foods, such as mung beans, watermelon, cucumber, etc., to relieve the heat and cool down. In terms of customs, some places will also hold some celebration activities, such as worshiping ancestors, dragon and lion dances, etc., to express their wishes for a good harvest and summer. Whether it is farming activities or living customs, Xiaoshu plays an important role in folk inheritance, showing people's attention to natural solar terms and their adaptation to seasonal changes.
2. Eat dumplings
There is a custom in the north called dumplings on the first side and noodles on the second side, and pancakes and eggs on the third side. When the head is down, people lose appetite and lose weight, which is commonly known as bitter summer. Dumplings are an appetizing food in traditional customs. They are especially popular among northerners. Rich and poor alike, everyone likes to eat dumplings. This custom is related to summer eating habits. In the northern region, the temperature is high in summer, and people's appetite is often not as strong as in other seasons. Therefore, people will choose some light and appetizing foods to satisfy their cravings. People eat dumplings when their heads are down, because dumplings have a good taste and rich fillings, which can increase appetite. During the second lunar month, people will choose to eat pasta, such as cold noodles, cold noodles, etc. These noodles can also help relieve the heat. When it comes to summer, people will choose to eat convenient and light breakfasts such as pancake stalls and eggs to cope with the scorching heat. This custom has played a certain role in alleviating the problem of loss of appetite in summer. It also reflects people's mentality of respecting tradition and seeking comfort from food. Speaking of summer food customs in the north, we have to mention the traditional customs of dumplings on the head and noodles on the second, and pancakes and eggs on the third. The weather in summer is hot and people's appetite will decrease accordingly. At this time, dumplings, pasta and pancakes with eggs have become people's first choice to satisfy their craving.
First of all, people choose to eat dumplings when their heads are down. Dumplings have rich fillings and unique taste, which can whet your appetite and increase your appetite. Whether in wealthy families or ordinary families, people like to eat dumplings, and they have become a favorite traditional food of northerners.
Then comes Erfu, when people turn to pasta. Cool and refreshing noodles such as cold noodles and cold noodles not only relieve the heat, but also increase appetite in summer. As another choice in summer, pasta has also become the first choice for people pursuing a light diet.
Finally, during the summer season, people will choose pancake stalls and eggs as breakfast to relieve the heat. Pancakes are simple and convenient. Paired with eggs or other ingredients, they can not only provide nutrition but also meet people's breakfast needs. They have become people's preference in hot summer.
This food custom not only reflects people's respect for traditional culture, but also helps people maintain a good appetite and physical strength in the hot summer weather. In addition to Toufu dumplings and Erfu noodles, and Sanfu pancake stalls with eggs, there are many other summer delicacies in the northern region.
In addition to dumplings, pasta and pancake stall eggs, there is another summer classic in the north - Liangpi. Liangpi is a kind of cold noodles made of flour. It has a smooth texture and rich ingredients. It is often paired with vegetables such as cucumbers and bean sprouts, as well as ingredients such as tofu skin and steamed buns. It is delicious and is a must-have to relieve the heat in summer.
In addition, in the past, there was a special cold soup drink in northern rural areas - bitter melon soup. Bitter melon has the effect of cooling and relieving heat. When making bitter melon soup, cut the bitter melon into thin slices, add an appropriate amount of salt, vinegar, sugar and other seasonings, then add cold water and stir evenly. After soaking for a period of time, it will become a cool and refreshing bitter melon soup. , not only quenches thirst, but also has the effect of clearing away heat and promoting dampness.
There is also a traditional snack that northerners love to eat in summer - refreshing cucumber. Cucumber has a crisp taste, is rich in water and vitamins, and has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, diuresis and reducing swelling. Slice cucumbers into thin slices and add just the right amount of salt, vinegar and some seasonings for a refreshing summer snack.
These summer delicacies not only taste delicious, cool down and quench thirst, but also provide nutrition and replenish physical strength. They are one of the important ways for northern people to enjoy delicious food in summer.