Between heaven and earth, eternity is endless, and no one knows the beginning and end of the opening of heaven and earth. It is often said that the words "heaven and earth" always complement each other and form the orderly structure of the universe. The sky is round and the sky passes through the sun and the earth passes through the sun, symbolizing the cycle of time and nature.
It is said that the 20th day of the first lunar month is the "day of the day of the day", and the 21st day of the first month that follows is the "day of the earth", commonly known as the "day of the wheat", which means the birthday of the wheat. After the 17th day of the first month, the "opening day" on the 18th day of the first month and the "filling day" on the 20th day of the first month are closely related to agricultural affairs. This time marks the beginning of spring ploughing, and farmers will be busy plowing.
It is not for nothing that the ancients regarded the twentieth day of the first lunar month as the birthday of Wheat. The twenty-first day of the first lunar month is not only the time of busy farming, but also before and after the rainy season, the temperature rises, the snow begins to melt, and the rainfall gradually increases, providing good conditions for spring plowing and sowing. Therefore, this day is called "Wheat Day" to symbolize that the critical period for wheat growth has arrived.
On this special day, there is a folk saying that has been passed down to this day: "Look at the sky on the twenty-first morning of the first lunar month, and you don't need to ask the gods in the coming year." This phrase means that on the 21st day of the first lunar month, people will pay close attention to the weather conditions to determine whether there will be a good harvest year this year.
If the sky is clear and the breeze blows on the 21st day of the first lunar month, it means that there will be a good harvest of wheat. Because abundant sunshine, moderate temperatures, and abundant rain are essential for wheat growth, and these conditions are easier to achieve in clear weather.
Conversely, if the day is cloudy and rainy, it could be a sign that wheat yields will be affected. Rainy weather can lead to problems such as lower temperatures, insufficient sunshine, and excessive humidity, which can negatively affect the growth and yield of wheat.
The arrival of the 21st day of the first lunar month marks that people are about to devote themselves to the busyness of the new year. Farmers and workers alike began to work hard for a better future on this day. Therefore, I recommend that you do the following four things in advance to lay the foundation for a safe and smooth Year of the Dragon.
1.Pick up stones.
In ancient times, there was a unique tradition on the 21st day of the first lunar month, which was to "pick up stones". On this day, people gather on the banks of the Han River by boat down the river. One of the most important activities is the collection of small stones with holes, known as "mother and child stones".
After picking up the stones, some people wear them with silk threads or colored ropes and wear them on their bodies as ornaments, while others choose to throw them into the river, symbolizing "the stone comes to transport".
In addition, some people will pick up larger stones and take them home as "backing stones", or place them in the southwest corner of the field as "mending stones", which symbolizes hope that the new year will be smooth and rainy, and the five grains will be abundant.
There is no scientific basis for the tradition of "picking up stones", but people's yearning for happiness, health and success, as well as a love of life and a vision for the future.
2.Eat spring rolls.
On the 21st, there is an interesting name called "Little Filling Day", and I heard that spring rolls are eaten in many places. Doesn't that sound interesting?
In other words, the barn is full of things, which represents a good harvest and a prosperous life. Spring rolls are shaped like rolled grains, and eating them is like praying for a good harvest and a colorful life in the new year.
Spring rolls are usually packed with a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables, which are not only delicious but also nutritious. At the beginning of spring on the 21st, eating more spring rolls can replenish the carbohydrates and vitamins needed by the body, so that we can better adapt to this spring season and maintain good health.
Moreover, spring rolls also have a meaning, that is, they are there from beginning to end, symbolizing good luck and good deeds. So, on this special day, by eating spring rolls, we can express our hope for a better life and the future.
3.Protect crops.
In addition, the 21st is also known as "Wheat Day" because it is a critical time for spring farmland. Farmland is a place where farmers work hard, and we can't just trample on it, which will not only damage the soil and affect the growth of crops, but also directly affect our food.
Therefore, the attitude towards farmland is the attitude towards nature. We must respect the hard work of farmers and protect the crops they have worked so hard to grow. On the 21st, we should stay away from farmland, so that we can be regarded as responsible for society and respect for nature.
4.Don't stay up late.
Staying up late at night really messes up the biological clock, the quality of sleep decreases, and in the long run, the body will collapse, the immunity will also become low, and diseases will follow.
At the beginning of the new year, you have to take care of your body first, and it is best to go to bed early to protect yourself. Spring is coming, everything grows, and the breath of the sun is getting stronger. The ancients said that "according to the right time and place", we must follow the trend, otherwise we will violate the laws of nature, the sun will be injured, and the fire of life will be in danger.
Staying up late at night not only makes people feel bad the next day, but also affects work and school productivity. Resting early in the evening is all about making sure you have the energy to take on the challenges of the next day.
In conclusion, although the first day of the Lunar New Year is called "Wheat Day", it symbolizes the beginning of the new year. Keep the above four points in mind to lay a solid foundation for the new year. I wish you all a smooth career, good health and all the best in the new year!