Yesterday marked the Spring Equinox, one of the twenty-four solar terms. Its arrival signifies that half of the beautiful spring season has already passed. At this moment, the sun shines directly on the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths across both hemispheres—a truly significant occasion.In ancient times, the Spring Equinox served not only as a vital reference point for agricultural activities but also as a day for imperial ancestral rites. So what dietary customs for health preservation are associated with the Spring Equinox?
Though many traditions have faded over millennia, certain Spring Equinox customs endure and grow increasingly popular today. Particularly in terms of cuisine, these practices offer uniquely delightful flavors.So what should one eat during the Spring Equinox, and what benefits do these millennia-old dietary traditions offer?
1. Eating Spring Greens
Consuming spring greens is one such ancient custom, still observed in many regions today. Also known as lettuce or thousand-gold greens, these seasonal vegetables are particularly fresh and delicious around the Spring Equinox.Ancient people believed eating spring vegetables during the Spring Equinox would bless the entire family with peace and happiness throughout the year, so this unwritten custom gradually spread.Moreover, they pose no adverse effects on health, making them safe even for individuals with hypertension or heart conditions. Spring vegetables boast exceptional nutritional value. As wholesome green vegetables, they contain diverse vitamins and minerals beneficial to the human body, providing timely nutritional supplementation. Both children in critical growth phases and elderly individuals can rapidly absorb iron from spring vegetables, thereby strengthening blood circulation and vitality.
Spring vegetables grown during the Spring Equinox season are of exceptional quality. Their taste is refreshing with a slight bitterness. Eating them in moderation stimulates the body to secrete more digestive enzymes than usual, thereby enhancing appetite.
II. Eating Pastries
Additionally, people in northern China have a unique festive snack during the Spring Equinox called Sun Cakes.This pastry is primarily made from flour, sesame seeds, and sugar. For enhanced texture, glutinous rice can be incorporated into the recipe.
Spring is a special season where dietary principles should follow "reducing sourness and increasing sweetness." Moderately increasing sweet foods is advisable, and the Sun Cake serves as an excellent choice. Not only does it nourish the spleen and stomach, but it also contains various nutrients such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates.However, glutinous rice is quite sweet and rich, and overindulgence can lead to indigestion. Therefore, it's important to control your appetite and avoid eating too much. III. Drinking Spring Soup There's a folk saying about Spring Equinox cuisine: "Spring soup cleanses the intestines, purifies the liver, and brings peace and health to the whole family."This spring soup refers to a broth made with spring vegetables and other ingredients. Consuming it during the Spring Equinox not only embodies the working people's aspiration for a better life but also offers substantial health benefits due to its nutritious and delicious properties.
The preparation process for spring soup is remarkably simple and can be tailored to individual tastes. Simply select fresh spring vegetables, wash them thoroughly, chop into small pieces, and prepare additional ingredients as desired. Regardless of the specific soup variety, it serves to warm the stomach and aid digestion, helping expel dampness accumulated within the body.
The above introduces some dietary customs associated with the Spring Equinox. Whether enjoying spring vegetables or spring soup, both offer significant health benefits. As long as we avoid overindulgence, we can effectively enhance physical fitness and boost immunity.