The summer solstice arrives on June 21. What people are most concerned about is the diet during the summer solstice. So what do they eat during the summer solstice? There is a saying, "Winter Solstice Dumplings and Summer Solstice Noodles", and noodles are eaten in many areas during the Summer Solstice. Why do we eat noodles during the summer solstice? Let’s find out together.
What to eat during the Summer Solstice? Winter Solstice Dumplings and Summer Solstice Noodles
As the saying goes, "Winter Solstice Dumplings and Summer Solstice Noodles", eating noodles during the Summer Solstice is a custom in many places. "Eating Summer Solstice Noodles will make a day shorter."
Eating noodles during the Summer Solstice is a Han custom that is popular in most parts of the country. Just as Pan Rongbi of the Qing Dynasty recorded in "Records of Success in the Imperial Capital": "On that day, everyone eats cold noodles and washes them. Even as the saying goes, the water is the water... The proverb goes: "Wonton on the winter solstice and noodles on the summer solstice." Eat noodles on the summer solstice. There is a saying that although the summer solstice is not the hottest time in summer, it does mean that the hot summer is coming. People begin to change their diet from the summer solstice to low-calorie, easy-to-make, and refreshing foods. Noodles are usually the first choice for ordinary families. Therefore, summer solstice noodles are also called "entering the valley".
After the summer solstice and entering the third lunar month, people in Shanxi eat more cold noodles to appetize and cool down. Shanxi cold noodles, also called Fu noodles, were called "Leng Tao" in ancient times. Although they are not a famous delicacy, they originated from ancient sun worship, reflect seasonal changes, and inherit thousands of years of customs. It is a Shanxi delicacy that is integrated with cultural heritage. During the Qing Dynasty, "Summer Solstice Noodles" had developed into various types of cold noodles. Pan Rongbi's "Records of Successes in the Imperial Capital" records: "On the summer solstice, the great sacrifice to Fangze is the grand ceremony of the country. It is the Japanese household that eats cold noodles, which is said to be on the water... Cold noodles are refreshing and suitable, unparalleled in the world. ”
Noodles have a long history in China. The "boiled cake" in the Eastern Han Dynasty and the "soup cake" in the Wei and Jin Dynasties were the original names of noodles. Noodles are not only an economical and filling staple food, but also an excellent delicacy for elegant people. According to historical records, many dignitaries liked to eat noodles and entertained distinguished guests with noodles.
Since ancient times, Chinese people have said "Winter Solstice Wonton and Summer Solstice Noodles". Eating noodles during the summer solstice is an important custom in many areas in the Jiangnan area. There is a folk saying that "if you eat summer solstice noodles, your day will be shortened by one thread". There are many varieties of noodles in the south, such as Yangchun noodles, dry soup noodles, shredded pork noodles, three fresh noodles, bridge noodles and sesame oil cold noodles, etc., while in the north there are braised noodles and fried bean paste noodles. "Since the new wheat has appeared in the summer solstice, eating noodles in the summer solstice also means trying something new."