Why do we eat pears during the Jingzhe Festival? The multiple meanings of eating pears during the Jingzhe Festival

During the Jingzhe solar term, there is a custom of eating pears on the Jingzhe day in many places. So, why do we eat pears during the Jingzhe period? What is the origin of eating pears during the Waking of Insects? Let’s find out together.

Why do we eat pears during the Jingzhe Festival?

Folk Heritage

Pear is the only fruit that has a place in the 24 solar terms (Qingzhe). The ancients called pear the "king of fruits". Nowadays, when we eat pears, we usually wash them first. But in ancient times, especially in the Tang Dynasty, pears were eaten steamed. Whether eaten raw or cooked, eating pears on the Waking of Insects Day is a folk custom that incorporates food into festivals.

Weather Factors

During the Jingzhe period, the weather becomes noticeably warmer and drier, which can easily cause people to have dry mouth and tongue, as well as external coughs. Raw pears are cold in nature and sweet in taste. Eating pears has the effect of "clearing the heat of the six internal organs when raw, and nourishing the yin of the five internal organs when cooked." Take one pill per person in the morning or after meals, it can significantly relieve symptoms such as dry throat, itchy pain, hoarseness, constipation, and dark urine. Some parents even take the opportunity to tell their children the story of Kong Rong giving away his pears.