With the sound of spring thunder, the stinging solar term came quietly. This is the moment when the earth awakens, and it is the beginning of the revival of all things. In China's ancient farming culture, sting is not only a solar term, but also a season full of ritual and mystery. On this special day, there are many customs associated with it that are passed down among the people. Among them, the "Three Glasses of Surprise" is the most unique and meaningful one. These three glasses of wine respectively imply welcoming spring, driving away evil spirits and praying, which is not only the admiration for nature, but also people's expectation and sustenance for a better life. So, on this special occasion, did you pour yourself these three glasses of wine as well?
The first cup, "Spring Festival Wine".
After a long winter, the arrival of spring is undoubtedly nature's most beautiful gift. On the day of the sting, people raise their glasses to celebrate the arrival of spring. This glass of wine is not only a tribute and gratitude to nature, but also a good wish for the new year. It symbolizes new beginnings, the glow of life and the continuation of hope. In ancient times, farmers would gather in the fields on this day to toast to the arrival of spring and pray for a good harvest and good weather in the new year. Today, despite the changes of the times, this custom is still preserved in some places. People toast each other at home or in the fields, with family and friends, to welcome the arrival of spring and wish for a safe, smooth, happy and healthy new year.
The way to drink spring wine is quite particular. In some places, people choose to toast to the rising sun in the early morning of the day of the sting. This is both a warm welcome to spring and a good wish for a new day. In other places, people sit around the fire in the evening, sipping wine and chatting about the spring scene. Either way, it reflects people's love for spring and yearning for a better life.
The second cup, "Exorcism Wine".
In the sting season, although the spring is getting stronger, the cold has not completely dissipated, and various diseases are easy to take advantage of the void, and the exorcism wine comes into being. In order to dispel the cold in the body and ward off evil spirits and diseases from the outside world, people will drink this cup of exorcism. This is not only a measure of self-protection, but also reflects people's desire and pursuit of a healthy life. In ancient times, it was believed that the sting was a time of revival of all things, and it was also a time when various diseases and evil spirits were easy to breed. Therefore, they pray for good health and safety by drinking exorcism wine.
The brewing method of exorcism wine varies from region to region, but most of them use some herbs or spices that have the effects of repelling cold, dampness, and evil spirits, such as mugwort leaves, calamus, etc., to soak or boil. These herbs and spices not only have a unique aroma and taste, but also help to dispel cold and dampness in the body and strengthen the body's resistance. Although modern medicine has proven that these practices have no scientific basis, they are still preserved and passed down in some places. Because for people, this is not only a manifestation of customs and beliefs, but also a kind of psychological comfort and spiritual sustenance.
The third cup, "Prayer Wine".
This glass of wine carries people's hopes and dreams, and is a vision and expectation for a better life in the future. On this special occasion, people will pour their wishes and blessings into the wine, and then drink it all, implying that the wish has been swallowed with the wine and will come true. This is not only a kind of psychological sustenance, but also a positive attitude towards life. Whether it is for academic progress, career success, family harmony, good health, peace and well-being, etc., you can use this glass of wine to express and pray for fulfillment.
The way to drink prayer sake is also very particular. In some places, people will raise their glasses high before drinking, make wishes and blessings to the sky or gods, and then drink them all; In other places, people choose to put their glasses upside down on the table after drinking to show that their wishes have been fulfilled and that they are praying for good fortune. Either way, it reflects people's yearning and pursuit of a better life, as well as an attitude full of confidence and hope for the future.
Three glasses of wine is not only a tradition of customs and culture, but also an expression and sustenance of emotions. It allows us to stop in our busy lives and feel the breath of spring and the gifts of nature; It allows us to find a trace of warmth and solace in the cold winter day; It has also allowed us to find direction and motivation on the road to pursue a better life. At this special moment, let us also pour ourselves three glasses of wine: a cup to welcome the spring and receive blessings, a cup to ward off evil spirits and avoid epidemics, and a cup to pray for the future; May our lives be as warm and bright as the spring sunshine, as colorful as the flowers of summer, and always full of hopes and dreams!
Of course, while enjoying this traditional custom, we should also pay attention to moderate and civilized drinking to avoid the negative effects of excessive drinking. In addition, there may be differences and variations in the specific meaning and form of the three glasses of wine in different regions and families, but this is a reflection of the diversity and richness of culture. No matter how it changes, its core meaning is people's yearning and pursuit of a better life. Let's raise the wine glass in our hands and feel the beauty and hope in the breath of spring! May each of us usher in a new beginning this spring, dispel all gloom and illness, and realize our dreams and aspirations.