The Dog Days Are Upon Us: Remember These Four Taboos for a Healthy Summer

The Dog Days Are Upon Us: Remember These Four Taboos for a Healthy Summer"Green shade and fragrant grass surpass flowers in their beauty"summer has arrived, bringing with it the scorching test of the Dog Days. Today, July 15th, the 10th day of the Lesser Heat solar term, marks the official entry into the Dog Days, traditionally known as "Entering the (f)

The Dog Days Are Upon Us: Remember These Four Taboos for a Healthy Summer

"Green shade and fragrant grass surpass flowers in their beauty"summer has arrived, bringing with it the scorching test of the Dog Days. Today, July 15th, the 10th day of the Lesser Heat solar term, marks the official entry into the Dog Days, traditionally known as "Entering the (f)." This also signifies the arrival of the hottest period of the year. The proverb "Cold in the Three Nines, Hot in the Middle" holds true, and as we enter the today, it also coincides with the 10th day of the 6th lunar month, known as a " (xing r)" or inauspicious day in folk tradition, demanding extra caution.

I. The Origin of the ""

The notion of an "inauspicious day" stems from the ancient Chinese calendar system based on the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches. The 10th day of the 6th lunar month falls on the day of Gng Chn () in the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system. According to ancient calculations, starting from the day of Wi (), the day of Shn () marks the end, the day of Yu () signifies fullness, and so on. By the time it reaches Chn, it becomes the day of collection. An ancient saying goes, " (Jin mn png shu hi)," signifying that the collection day is inauspicious, hence the term "."

Furthermore, today also happens to be a " (w x r)," a day when the Five Elements in the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches system clash. Traditional beliefs consider a "Five Void Day" unsuitable for travel, business openings, and other significant events.

II. Taboos During the Dog Days: Health and Well-being

Ancient Chinese people held unique perspectives and practices regarding the Dog Days, accumulating abundant knowledge over centuries. As we enter the today, coinciding with a "," it's crucial to bear in mind certain traditional taboos to ensure safety and well-being.

1. Don't Open: Avoid Starting a Business Today

The 10th day of the 6th lunar month is the Collection Day, regarded as inauspicious by ancient Chinese tradition. It's not considered an auspicious time for opening a new business. Opening a business in ancient times was a joyous occasion, and people hoped for "a successful grand opening." Therefore, they typically chose auspicious days to ensure good fortune and avoid inauspicious days.

Furthermore, the Dog Days bring scorching heat and fatigue, leading people to become weary and reluctant to venture out. This will inevitably affect business performance. Therefore, it's advisable to avoid opening a business today and choose an auspicious date for a smooth start and thriving business.

2. Don't Buy: Avoid Purchasing a Car Today

Ancient Chinese believed that buying carriages or oxcarts during an inauspicious day was unsuitable. While carriages are a relic of the past, the belief of "not buying a car on an inauspicious day" persists.

Moreover, the sweltering heat of the Dog Days can lead to impulsive purchases and make people prone to unwise decisions. Acquiring a new car involves paperwork, test drives, and a series of processes, all of which would be uncomfortable in the extreme heat. High temperatures can also affect vehicle performance and lifespan. Therefore, it's advisable to make rational purchase decisions and choose a more suitable time.

3. Sweat It Out: Moderate Sweating for Detoxification and Health

During the Dog Days, the human body's Yang energy is abundant, making it the perfect time for sweating and detoxification. Appropriate sweating helps expel moisture and toxins, strengthening the body's constitution.

Ancient wisdom holds the phrase "Practice hard in the Three Nines of winter, train diligently in the Three of summer." It's recommended to engage in light exercise like walking or jogging in the morning or evening, allowing the body to sweat slightly and achieve detoxification and health benefits. Simultaneously, avoid prolonged exposure to air-conditioned rooms; turn off the air conditioner and ventilate your home promptly to ensure good air circulation.

4. Don't Eat Light: Balanced Nutrition is Key

During the Dog Days, people consume a lot of energy and require more nutrients to replenish their strength. An excessively light diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies and weakness.

Ancient wisdom states "Don't leave meat behind in the Three, you'll remain healthy until your hair turns white." While we don't advocate eating meat every meal, it's recommended to include some protein like chicken, duck, fish, goose, lamb, etc., in your balanced diet to boost energy and withstand the summer heat.

III. Health Practices During the Dog Days: Traditional Wisdom for a Healthy Summer

Beyond the four taboos, numerous traditional practices for navigating the Dog Days are worth learning and adopting.

1. "Radishes in the First, Mustard Greens in the Second, Cabbage Planting in the Third"

This proverb encapsulates agricultural wisdom, guiding people to cultivate different crops during the different stages of the Dog Days for optimal yield and quality.

• Radishes in the First: Radishes are sensitive to high temperatures and prone to disease if planted too early. Planting them during the First allows them to avoid extreme heat and ensures a good harvest of high-quality radishes in autumn.

• Mustard Greens in the Second: Mustard greens thrive in cool, moist environments. Planting them during the Second ensures they grow in optimal temperatures, enhancing quality and yield.

• Cabbage Planting in the Third: Cabbage is vulnerable to high temperatures and strong sunlight. Planting it in the Third avoids these adverse conditions and allows the cabbage to grow normally.

2. "Dumplings in the First, Noodles in the Second, Pancakes and Eggs in the Third"

This proverb reflects dietary habits during the Dog Days, showcasing people's wisdom in adjusting their diet to seasonal changes.

• Dumplings in the First: At the onset of the, appetites tend to wane. Dumplings are appetizing and can satisfy cravings. They also carry the symbolic meaning of "treasured dumplings, holding good fortune." This makes them a preferred choice for the first day of the.

• Noodles in the Second: The Second brings sweltering heat. A bowl of hot noodle soup offers both nutritional sustenance and promotes sweating, expelling summer heat.

• Pancakes and Eggs in the Third: Toward the end of the Dog Days, the weather cools slightly. Pancakes and eggs provide further nutritional support and represent a farewell to the season.

3. "Large Sweats Followed by Cold Water Leads to Rashes"

This proverb reminds us to avoid washing ourselves directly with cold water after excessive sweating during the Dog Days, as it can trigger rashes and other skin issues.

IV. Conclusion: The Dog Days Are HereEmbrace a Healthy Summer

The arrival of the coincides with an inauspicious day, demanding extra caution. Remember the four taboos, embrace traditional wisdom, and practice healthy living to safely navigate the summer heat. May you remain healthy and happy amidst the scorching 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])