In ancient times, people had famines, so why would they rather gnaw on tree bark than go fishing?

Mondo History Updated on 2024-03-01

In ancient China, due to the implementation of the policy of valuing agriculture and suppressing business, the implementation of the small-scale peasant economy, and the promotion of self-sufficiency, the common people could basically only "rely on the sky for food". If the climate is right and the crops grow well, people will be able to eat enough. Conversely, if there are natural disasters such as droughts, floods, and locust plagues, and the state is unable to help, then a large-scale famine may occur.

In thousands of years of feudal history, famines were frequent. So, when food could not be grown, why didn't the ancients choose to go down to rivers and lakes to catch fish to relieve hunger?

Due to the differences in the natural environment, the northern and southern regions have developed different lifestyles and skills. There are many rivers and lakes in the south, and the rainfall is large, so the fishery is relatively developed. However, there are fewer rivers and lakes in the north, and there are more dry seasons, so farming is more suitable.

The Central Plains region has a flat terrain that is suitable for farming, and although fishing near rivers and lakes is also a good option, it is not easy for those who have not been exposed to it. Casting a net is a technical job that requires constant practice to master.

Moreover, the conditions in ancient times were limited, there was no modern large-scale fishing equipment, and they could only wait for prey near rivers and lakes, and if there was a famine, there was no time and energy to fish.

In this case, if you are the only one who can fish, it may cause jealousy and scramble among others, and the consequences will be unimaginable.

The hierarchy of ancient societies divided people into four categories, and although the peasants were in second place, they were actually the poorest and hardest class, with the most labor and the least harvest.

The magnates occupied the land, and the peasants were not allowed to fish and catch shrimp without permission. The classic lines in "Liu Sanjie" vividly describe this situation: "This mountain is the mountain of Master Mo, this water is the water of Master Mo, if you want to pick tea, you have to pay tea tax, and if you want to go into the water, you have to pay fish tax!" ”

When the flood hits, fish and shrimp are hard to find. Sediment, garbage and other substances can be carried into clean water by floodwater, which will have a serious impact on the growth of fish and shrimp. At the same time, drought can also lead to the disappearance of fish and shrimp, making it difficult for people to find food.

Even the fish and shrimp found cannot meet the living needs of tens of millions of victims, and large-scale hunting will only solve the short-term problem of food and clothing, but cannot fundamentally solve the problem.

Therefore, we should now cherish the rice bowl in our hands and rely on the power of science and technology and talents to ensure the stability of food and no longer suffer from famine.

Related Pages