The Dog Days: Exploring Ancient Wisdom and Embracing the Summer Challenge

The Dog Days: Exploring Ancient Wisdom and Embracing the Summer ChallengeIntroduction: Tomorrow, July 15th, marks the official start of the hottest period of the year the Dog Days. In ancient times, this period was known as "" (Futian), meaning the yin energy is suppressed by the yang energy and hides underground

The Dog Days: Exploring Ancient Wisdom and Embracing the Summer Challenge

Introduction: Tomorrow, July 15th, marks the official start of the hottest period of the year the Dog Days. In ancient times, this period was known as "" (Futian), meaning the yin energy is suppressed by the yang energy and hides underground. The Dog Days are divided into three phases: Early Dog Days (), Middle Dog Days (), and Late Dog Days (). The Early and Late Dog Days are fixed at 10 days each, while the length of the Middle Dog Days varies depending on the number of "" days between the summer solstice and the beginning of autumn. It can be either 10 or 20 days.

The Origin and Significance of the Dog Days:

The origin of the Dog Days can be traced back to ancient times, closely related to the ancient Chinese calendar system and the solar terms. The third "" day after the summer solstice is marked as the beginning of the Dog Days. This date is derived from the Yin-Yang Five Elements theory, reflecting the natural law of the yang energy reaching its peak during summer, while the yin energy remains dormant.

The "Han Shu" (History of the Han Dynasty) describes the meaning of "" (Fu) as: ", , . , . (Fu means the yin energy is about to rise, but it is suppressed by the remaining yang energy and cannot ascend. Therefore, it hides and remains dormant, hence the name ""). It means that during the Dog Days, the yin energy is hidden underground, as the summer heat prevents it from rising.

Zhang Shoujie, a Tang dynasty scholar, wrote: ", 677, , , . (The three "Fu" days in the sixth month started during the reign of Duke Qin Degong (677 BC). Therefore, it is called "" (Early Dog Days). "" means to hide and avoid the scorching heat). This record indicates that the origin of the Dog Days can be traced back to the time of Duke Qin Degong, emphasizing the meaning of "" as hiding to avoid the summer heat.

Climate Characteristics and Influences of the Dog Days:

The Dog Days are the hottest and most humid period of the year, often accompanied by convective weather and thunderstorms. This high-temperature and high-humidity climate has a significant impact on human health, daily life, and agricultural production.

Impact on Human Health:

The high temperature and humidity can make people feel stuffy, exhausted, and even lead to heatstroke. Additionally, the Dog Days are prone to triggering various diseases, including digestive system diseases, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Therefore, people need to take measures to prevent heatstroke and illness.

Impact on Daily Life:

The high temperature during the Dog Days can affect people's daily lives, such as travel, work, and entertainment. During this period, people should minimize outdoor activities and take measures to cool down. Outdoor activities such as sporting events and outdoor performances should also be adjusted according to weather conditions.

Impact on Agricultural Production:

The high temperature and humidity during the Dog Days are beneficial for crop growth, but they can also lead to outbreaks of pests and diseases. Therefore, farmers need to take measures to prevent and control pests and diseases to ensure crop yields.

Traditional Customs and Health Practices during the Dog Days:

1. Avoiding Heat and Keeping Cool:

Ancient people believed that the Dog Days were a period of yin energy hiding underground. Therefore, health practices during this period emphasized "" (hiding yin and avoiding heat). People would adopt various measures to cool down, such as eating ice cream, drinking herbal teas, and using air conditioning.

2. Dietary Regulation:

The high temperature and humidity during the Dog Days can lead to a deficiency of yang energy in the body. Therefore, people need to replenish yang energy through diet. Common dietary methods include:

• Eating mutton: Mutton is warm in nature and can warm the spleen and stomach, expel cold and dampness.

• Eating dumplings: Dumplings are rich in nutrition and easy to digest, suitable for consumption during the Dog Days.

• Drinking mung bean soup: Mung bean soup has the effects of clearing heat and relieving heat, promoting urination and reducing swelling.

3. Health Exercises:

While the Dog Days are hot, moderate exercise is beneficial for the body. People can engage in light exercises such as walking, jogging, and swimming to strengthen their physique and enhance immunity.

4. Regular Sleep Schedule:

During the Dog Days, people need to adjust their sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up early, avoiding staying up late to ensure sufficient rest.

5. Psychological Adjustment:

In hot weather, people are prone to feeling anxious and restless. Therefore, psychological adjustment is essential to maintain a calm mindset and avoid emotional fluctuations.

Precautions for the Start of the Dog Days Tomorrow:

This year, the Dog Days begin on July 15th, the tenth day of the sixth lunar month, known as "" (collection day). Ancient people believed that "" embodies the meaning of containment. Therefore, the following precautions should be taken on this day:

1. Avoid Cold Showers: It is not advisable to take cold showers on the first day of the Dog Days, as it can cause the invasion of cold and dampness, leading to headaches, body aches, and other discomforts.

2. Avoid Prolonged Sitting: On the first day of the Dog Days, avoid prolonged sitting and engage in outdoor activities such as walking or jogging to strengthen the body and prevent the stagnation of yang energy.

3. Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during the Dog Days can damage the spleen and stomach, leading to the accumulation of dampness and heat in the body, which is detrimental to health.

4. Eat Mutton and Dumplings: It is recommended to eat warming foods such as mutton and dumplings on the first day of the Dog Days to replenish yang energy and resist the summer heat.

Conclusion:

The Dog Days are a time that tests people's endurance and wisdom. Ancient people have accumulated rich experience and wisdom, guiding future generations on how to stay healthy during high-temperature weather. We should learn from the wisdom of our ancestors, scientifically approach high-temperature weather, maintain good health, and embrace the challenges of summer.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is sourced from the internet. The copyright of the text, images, and other materials belongs to the original author. The platform reprints the materials for the purpose of conveying more information. The content of the article is for reference and learning only, and should not be used for commercial purposes. If it infringes on your legitimate rights and interests, please contact us promptly and we will handle it as soon as possible! We respect copyright and are committed to protecting it. Thank you for sharing.(Email:[email protected])