Why do you eat dog meat on the summer solstice?

Eating dog meat in the summer solstice may be related to the fact that dog meat can replenish the body and create ominous legends. According to relevant records, the year after Qin Degong ascended the throne in the Warring States period, it was extremely hot in June, and epidemics prevailed. Qin Degong ordered his subjects to kill dogs to ward off evil spirits, according to the saying that "dogs are yang animals, which can bring misfortune". Later, the custom of killing dogs on the summer solstice was formed.

"Eat the dog on the summer solstice, and the west wind will take a detour", which means that when people eat dog meat on the summer solstice, their bodies will be able to resist the invasion of the west wind and rain, catch fewer colds and be in good health. It is based on this good wish that the unique folk food culture of "dog meat on the summer solstice" in Guangdong and Guangxi has been achieved.

The custom of eating dog meat in the summer solstice has spread to this day. On the one hand, there are superstitious reasons such as avoiding evil spirits, and some citizens think that "eating dog meat in the summer solstice can be full of energy and luck" and "can be promoted and made rich"; On the other hand, it is because dog meat nourishes and warms the stomach. After the summer solstice, farmers have to harvest and cultivate, and their physical strength is very high. Eating dog meat can enhance their physical strength. Dog meat is a hot food, so now many people just taste it symbolically. Many people will drink a bowl of herbal tea before and after eating dog meat.

Eating dog meat in the summer solstice contains certain health preserving theories of traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine is known as "nourishing yang in spring and summer, nourishing yin in autumn and winter". That is to say, the temperature rises gradually in spring and summer, people go out one after another, the activity is relatively increased, the sweating is increased, especially in summer, the summer heat is pressing, which often leads to too much yang, or too much greed for cold food and cold food because of heatstroke prevention, so that the yang in the body is weak and weak.