When it comes to the word "salivation", many people may be a little confused. The word may seem simple, but the pronunciation is often confusing. It doesn't pronounce yán or dàn, so how exactly does it pronounce it?
Don't worry, let me reveal the answer – the correct pronunciation of "salivation" is xián!
"涎", a Chinese character full of life and human desires. Its original meaning is saliva or saliva, just like the wisp of liquid that flows out of the corners of our mouths when we see food.
When you are faced with a sumptuous feast, the tempting aroma comes to your nose, do you can't help but "salivate"?
In addition to the literal meaning, the word "saliva" has a deeper meaning in culture. It can describe a person who is cheeky, or hippie with a smile. A naughty child, begging for candy with a hippie smile on his face, isn't that a vivid portrayal of the word "salivation"?
What's even more interesting is that the word "salivation" can also subtly depict people's deep desire and endless envy for beautiful things. In many literary works, it is often used to portray a character's desire for a delicacies, a rare treasure, or a sweetheart.
In the book "New Qi Harmony" written by the Qing Dynasty literati Yuan Mei, there is such a vivid description: "The master covets me, rapes me, and if he does not obey, he will whip him." The "salivating my color" in this sentence vividly depicts the owner's extreme coveting and longing for peerless beauty.
In ancient legends, someone once stumbled upon a peculiar grayish-white waxy substance by the sea. It smells fishy at first, but when it dries, it gives off a charming aroma that, once lit, fills the room with an intoxicating fragrance. Because of its mysterious origin and unique aroma, the ancients mistakenly thought that this was the saliva left by the dragon in the world, so they named it "ambergris".
The essence of ambergris is a special secretion produced in the body of sperm whales. When the sperm whale excretes the substance, it undergoes a lengthy process of soaking and oxidation in seawater, and finally gradually solidifies and hardens, forming a solid substance similar to wax. This process gives ambergris its unique texture and aroma, making it a highly sought-after and rare spice.
The taste of ambergris is unique and captivating, with a hint of sweetness and earthiness that is refreshing. Due to its rarity and unique aroma, ambergris has always been regarded as a prized spice and medicinal herb. In ancient times, it was even used as an exclusive spice for royalty and nobility, symbolizing nobility and luxury.