The seventh month of the lunar calendar, often referred to as the "Ghost Moon" in traditional Chinese culture, is a month of many beliefs and customs. During this month, various rituals are held to worship ancestors and the spirits of the deceased in order to bring peace and blessing to their homes. In this context, the custom of "3 don't eat, 3 eat more" came into being, which is not only people's awe of the laws of nature, but also a prayer for a better life.
3. Do not eat
Don't eat raw and cold food: The seventh month of the lunar calendar is in the middle of summer, although the weather is hot, but people believe that at this time, the yin qi is getting heavier, and raw and cold food is easy to hurt the spleen and stomach, affecting the health of the body. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce the intake of foods such as ice cream, cold drinks, raw and cold seafood, etc., to protect the body's yang energy and avoid the invasion of cold energy.
Don't eat hair products: Hair foods usually refer to foods that are easy to trigger or aggravate old diseases, such as seafood, lamb, leeks, etc. During the "Ghost Month", it is believed that the body's resistance is relatively weak, and consuming hair products may be detrimental to health. Therefore, the intake of such foods should be avoided or reduced as much as possible to keep the body stable.
Don't eat sacrificial food: During the "Ghost Month", every household prepares sacrificial items, including a variety of foods. However, these sacrificial foods are generally not suitable for consumption after the sacrifice has been completed. Because they are seen to have been enjoyed by ancestors or the dead, with some kind of sacred or unknowable attribute. Consuming these foods may be considered disrespectful to the ancestors and may also bring bad luck.
3. Eat more
Eat more warm foods: In order to resist the gradually increasing yin qi, people should eat more warm foods to strengthen their physique. Such as red dates, longan, ginger, etc., these foods have the effect of dissipating cold in the warmth, replenishing qi and nourishing blood, and help to improve the body's yang energy and immunity.
Eat more seasonal fruits and vegetables: Summer is the harvest season for all kinds of fruits and vegetables, and eating more seasonal fruits and vegetables can replenish the many vitamins and minerals that your body needs. At the same time, seasonal fruits and vegetables are also easier for the body to digest and absorb, which helps to maintain the body's health.
Eat more whole grains: Whole grains are rich in dietary fiber and a variety of nutrients, which can help promote gastrointestinal peristalsis and improve digestive function. During the "Ghost Month", increasing the intake of whole grains in moderation can maintain the body's nutritional balance and metabolic balance, providing long-lasting energy support for the body.