Ever since the beginning of agricultural civilization, food has become an indispensable part of our lives. In ancient China, the Xia, Shang and San dynasties were important agricultural social stages in the history of the mainland, and their food culture and living Xi also had a profound impact on later generations.
During this period, two food crops were mainly cultivated, rice and wheat. Due to the limited farming technology and the relatively low yield of crops, most people can only maintain a subsistence level and cannot achieve a sufficient life. In order to increase the food source, the ancients also cultivated by-products such as vegetables and fruits, as well as hunter-gatherer activities to obtain more animal protein. These abundant ingredients made the tables of ancient people more colorful.
In addition to the variety of food, cooking methods are constantly evolving and evolving. In the early days, roasting and boiling were the most commonly used cooking methods. With the development of productivity and social progress, people have a higher pursuit of food, so stewing, stir-frying, steaming and other cooking techniques came into being. In this process, the invention and application of seasoning undoubtedly played a key role. Through the blending and use of various spices, it not only improves the taste of the dishes, but also adds a deeper cultural connotation to the food.
In this long agricultural era, sacrificial ceremonies were also an important sight on the table. Whether it's praying for good weather or honoring ancestors, ancestors would offer their best food to the gods or the deceased. This behavior reflects their reverence for nature and ancestors, and incorporates food and drink into their deeply religious beliefs.
The ancient Chinese customs of feasting and drinking should not be overlooked. The feasts of the emperors and nobles were often grand in scale and full of luxury. However, the daily meals of ordinary people are more simple and simple, but they are full of home-style flavors and the smell of fireworks in the world. In short, people have a unique love and persistent pursuit of food, regardless of whether they are rich or poor.
The food culture of the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties reveals to us the basic features of a traditional agricultural society. It allows us to see a huge shift from simple and raw game to a rich and varied cuisine and wine. This also reflects the ancient Chinese people's yearning and expectations for life, and is a vivid embodiment of the beautiful vision of a harmonious family and a prosperous country.
Although the changes of the times have made many traditional gastronomic techniques gradually fade from the stage of history, the spiritual wealth they left behind will always shine brightly, inspiring us to find that peace and happiness in the fast-paced life of the modern era.