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Here is the translation of your content: It's the Beginning of the Dog Days of Summer! Do You Know These Customs?"Wind is clear, spring is cold, bamboos grow tall, the dog days of summer are as cool as autumn." Unconsciously, we have entered the scorching summer

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It's the Beginning of the Dog Days of Summer! Do You Know These Customs?

"Wind is clear, spring is cold, bamboos grow tall, the dog days of summer are as cool as autumn." Unconsciously, we have entered the scorching summer. Today marks the beginning of the Dog Days of Summer, signifying the official arrival of extreme heat. High temperatures will continue to test our stamina. As the saying goes, "Hot during the Dog Days," these three months are the most difficult to endure. How to get through the long summer safely and healthily has become our primary concern.

Today marks the beginning of the Dog Days of Summer, whether you have time or not, remember: 1 Don't wash, 2 Must eat, 3 Don't sleep too long, 4 Must sunbathe! These long-standing folk customs embody the wisdom of the ancients and reflect their emphasis on health. Let's delve into the reasons behind these customs and how to scientifically integrate them into modern life.

Origin of the Dog Days of Summer:

Ancient people designated the third Geng day after the summer solstice as the beginning of the Dog Days of Summer. This year, the summer solstice was on June 21, and the third Geng day is Gengchen day, corresponding to the tenth day of the sixth lunar month, so today officially marks the beginning of the Dog Days of Summer.

Why is Today Called "Shou Ri" (Collection Day)?

"Shou Ri" is one of the twelve Jianchu days, a black day with an implication of collection. Therefore, there are many traditional customs associated with it. For example, one should not be too high-profile on Shou Ri, act low-key, and avoid conducting marriage ceremonies, business openings, and other auspicious events.

Understanding the Customs of the Dog Days of Summer for a Healthy Summer:

Throughout history, people have accumulated rich experience to cope with the scorching heat of the Dog Days of Summer. Today, there is a saying that "1 Don't wash, 2 Must eat, 3 Don't sleep too long, 4 Must sunbathe!" Let's examine each custom in detail:

1. Don't Wash: Don't Take Cold Showers

"On the morning of the Dog Days, don't take cold showers." This is a common saying among older generations. During the Dog Days of Summer, the temperature rises, and the body's yang energy is strong, making it prone to dissipation. Taking a cold shower at this time can easily allow cold energy to enter the body, damaging the yang energy and leading to discomfort.

The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine also states: "Yang energy is like the sun and the day. If it loses its place, it will shorten one's lifespan and fail to shine." This ancient maxim teaches us that yang energy is as vital as sunlight. Without it, not only will our health be affected, but our lifespan too.

Therefore, during the Dog Days of Summer, it is advisable to avoid cold showers and opt for warm water baths to conform to the natural rhythm, protect the body's yang energy, and maintain good health.

2. Must Eat: Dumplings and Noodles

"Eating dumplings during the Dog Days of Summer, no need for doctors" and "Noodles during the Dog Days of Summer are better than medicine." These old sayings reflect people's emphasis on diet during the Dog Days of Summer.

Dumplings, shaped like ingots, symbolize wealth and prosperity, and also represent the warmth of family gatherings. During the Dog Days of Summer, people often have a poor appetite, while dumplings, as a traditional delicacy, can both clear heat and alleviate summer heat and replenish nutrition.

Noodles are another popular dish during the Dog Days of Summer. In traditional folk beliefs, long shapes are imbued with the auspicious meaning of "long life and happiness." Noodles are easily digestible, rich in carbohydrates, and provide the body with adequate energy.

Therefore, eating dumplings and noodles during the Dog Days of Summer satisfies the taste buds and nourishes the body, making them excellent choices for summer health preservation.

3. Don't Sleep Too Long: Limit Your Afternoon Nap

"Taking a nap at noon, a treasure for health, especially crucial during the Dog Days of Summer." Napping is a crucial method of health preservation in summer, but the duration should not be excessive. Ancient wisdom states, "Sleeping for too long harms the qi." Excessive napping depletes the body's qi, leading to listlessness and fatigue.

During the Dog Days of Summer, due to high temperatures and humidity, the body is prone to fatigue. However, prolonged napping is not conducive to health. Moderate naps can help rejuvenate our energy and improve work efficiency, but excessive naps will make us feel even more tired.

Therefore, during the Dog Days of Summer, we should control the duration of our naps, maintain moderate rest, and preserve our mental alertness and physical vitality!

4. Must Sunbathe: Sunbathe Your Bedding

"Sunbathe your bedding during the Dog Days of Summer, and health will accompany you." During the Dog Days of Summer, with ample sunshine and high temperatures, it is an ideal time to sunbathe your bedding. Sunbathing bedding can kill germs and remove moisture, keeping it dry and clean.

In a humid environment, bedding is prone to microbial and fungal growth, posing a threat to human health. Sun-drying bedding can eliminate these harmful substances, allowing us to sleep more soundly at night. Furthermore, sun-dried bedding has the warmth of sunshine and a refreshing scent, providing a sense of comfort and peace of mind.

Therefore, sunbathing bedding during the Dog Days of Summer is a simple yet effective health preservation measure.

Integrating the Customs of the Dog Days of Summer into Modern Life:

Today, living in a modern society, how can we integrate these traditional customs into contemporary life and better cope with the challenges of summer?

• No Cold Showers: Even when the temperature is high, avoid cold showers, especially for the elderly and children. Consider showering with warm water or drinking a cup of warm water after bathing to balance body temperature.

• Eat Light Foods: During the Dog Days of Summer, diet should be light, emphasizing vegetables and fruits, and limiting greasy foods. Also, pay attention to hydration to prevent heatstroke.

• Control Nap Time: Limit your naps to about 30 minutes to avoid excessive sleeping. After the nap, take a walk or engage in light exercise to help the body recover quickly.

• Pay Attention to Sun Protection: The sun is strong during the Dog Days of Summer, so take sun protection measures when going out, wearing hats, light-colored clothing, and applying sunscreen.

Conclusion:

The beginning of the Dog Days of Summer only marks the beginning of summer. High temperatures will persist throughout the entire three months. Let's strive to understand the scientific rationale behind these customs and incorporate them into modern life, practicing scientific health preservation and enjoying a healthy summer!

Finally, wishing you good health and well-being!