The Colorful Folk Customs and Health Care of Autumnal Equinox
Did you know? September 22nd marks the Autumnal Equinox in China, signaling the gradual cooling of weather and heralding the arrival of deep autumn. In China, the Autumnal Equinox is a key moment of abundance. Crops ripen, rice exudes fragrance, and the golden fields manifest the earth's generosity. Farmers are busy with harvesting, overflowing with the joy of abundance. This day is not just a marvelous transition of seasons but also embraces a rich tapestry of folk activities, embedded with China's millennia-old wisdom on health preservation. Would you like to learn more? This article will introduce you to it!
Egg Standing Game
When mentioning the Autumnal Equinox, one cannot overlook the intriguing and challenging "Egg Standing" game. According to ancient beliefs, on this day, a subtle balance of Earth's gravity and sunlight allows eggs to seemingly possess "magic," making them more likely to stand upright on smooth surfaces.
Although the fortunate few who successfully make an egg stand securely might be rare, the process of attempting is filled with the enjoyment of exploration and pays subtle homage to the laws of balance in the natural world, adding a unique charm and festive atmosphere to the Autumnal Equinox.
Prayers祈祷(qí dǎo) Under Moonlight
祈祷(qí dǎo), noun, prayer
Examples:
- She said a silent prayer for her sick grandmother.
她为她生病的奶奶默默祈祷。
tā wèi tā shēng bìng de nǎi nai mò mò qí dǎo。 - The monk led the prayers in the temple.
和尚在寺庙里带领祈祷。
hé shàng zài sì miào lǐ dài lǐng qí dǎo。
Moon worship, also known as paying homage to the moon, has a history dating back to ancient times. Unlike the Mid-Autumn Festival moon appreciation custom, the Autumnal Equinox moon worship largely retains its original sacrificial significance. In ancient times, people believed that the moon on the Autumnal Equinox night was remarkably bright and full, symbolizing the balance of Yin and Yang and abundant harvests.
Hence, households would prepare simple offerings such as melons, fruits, circular foods like mooncakes symbolizing reunion and completeness. Setting up incense burners in courtyards or open spaces, facing the bright autumn moon, they offer sincere worship.
The moon worship ceremony is not just a gratitude towards nature spirits but also a hopeful aspiration for a better future life. Family members gather together, under the bright moonlight, earnestly praying for peace in the home, abundant harvests, good health, and the unity and harmony among loved ones.
Tasting Autumn Greens
In the gentle embrace of the Lingnan water village, particularly in the historic Cangcheng Town in Kaiping, the villagers with the surname Xie preserve a simple and warm custom during the Autumnal Equinox – tasting "autumn greens." This so-called "autumn greens" are actually wild amaranths commonly seen in fields, locally endowed with a poetic name "Autumn Green Artemisia." Every Autumnal Equinox, villagers would make a mutual arrangement, venture out into the fields, seeking that touch of tender green. These slender autumn greens, akin to the envoys of early autumn, silently await people's harvest. Once the harvest is full, every household starts preparing a signature dish – "Autumn Soup."
Cooked with fresh autumn greens and fish slices, simple yet full of flavors. This soup not only nurtures the taste buds but also carries a beautiful symbolism, as the popular rhyme goes: "Autumn Soup fills the stomach, cleansing the liver and intestines. Old and young, families together, peace and health." In this golden autumn season, a bowl of "Autumn Soup" becomes the locals' heartfelt wish for family peace and well-being. These customs not only cherish food but also express gratitude and celebration for every ordinary moment in life, allowing individuals to taste the changing seasons while feeling warmth and strength from the heart.
How to Preserve Health?
In this golden season of autumn, emotional management holds particular significance because, according to the five elements theory, autumn corresponds to the metal element, making people vulnerable to sadness and worry. To maintain mental tranquility and depth, cultivating a positive and optimistic mindset becomes crucial.
To achieve this, you can try various relaxing and enjoyable activities: immerse yourself in the ocean of books, listen to gentle music, or try meditation to guide yourself into a transcendent state of tranquility. These methods effectively help release stress, rediscover inner peace and joy.
Regarding fitness, the crisp autumn climate undoubtedly is the best companion for outdoor activities. Whether climbing nearby peaks or jogging on woodland paths, aligning body and mind with nature, these activities not only strengthen your physique but also allow you to absorb rich negative ions from the fresh air, benefiting your heart and lungs. It's important to note that while exercise is beneficial, moderation is key to avoid excessive sweating that may deplete precious yang energy in the body; maintaining balance is essential.
Furthermore, the wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine suggests that acupuncture health care during the Autumnal Equinox秋分(qiū fēn) can further regulate the body. For example, massaging or moxibustion at the Zusanli point on the legs can promote digestion and enhance physical strength; the Taixuan point located on the wrist, with regular care, can help improve the respiratory system and nourish lung qi; the Guanyuan point on the abdomen is a key point for nourishing the kidneys and reinforcing the foundations, appropriate stimulation can strengthen overall health and enhance immunity. These ancient maintenance methods are part of the treasure trove of Chinese culture, simple and practical, providing reliable support for our health in daily life.
秋分(qiū fēn), noun, equinox
Examples:
- The equinox marks the beginning of fall.
秋分标志着秋天的开始。
qiū fēn biāo zhì zhe qiū tiān de kāi shǐ。 - On the equinox, day and night are of equal length.
在秋分这一天，白天和黑夜的长度相等。
zài qiū fēn zhè yī tiān, bái tiān hé hēi yè de cháng dù xiāng děng。
Through these comprehensive health preservation strategies, it is hoped that you can maintain physical and mental well-being in autumn, wishing you to enjoy every tranquil and beautiful autumn day!