Did you know that over a thousand years ago, people in China were already beating the summer heat without air conditioners? 🌞❄️
July 7 marks the start of Minor Heat, one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. It signals the beginning of the hottest and most humid time of the year! But how did ancient Chinese people keep cool back then?
Let’s take a peek into history! At the Beijing Folk Custom Museum, you can find fascinating items that show us ancient cool-down secrets. For example, the beautiful folding fans from the Qing Dynasty (that’s about 300 years ago!) were not just for making a breeze but also for fashion. 🌀
But that’s not all! People used to carry special scented sachets filled with refreshing herbs like mint and sandalwood. Imagine walking around with a little pouch that smells amazing and helps you feel cooler. How cool is that? 😎
And guess what? In the Qing Dynasty, ice became more affordable, so ordinary folks could enjoy icy treats! Vendors would ring bronze cups to let everyone know they were selling cold drinks. One popular snack was Xuehualao—crushed ice mixed with sweet bean paste and raisins. Sounds yummy, doesn’t it? 🍧
So next time you’re sipping on a cold drink or fanning yourself on a hot day, remember that people have been finding creative ways to stay cool for centuries!
Reference(s):
Minor Heat: A glimpse into ancient ways to stay cool in China
cgtn.com
