Lintong pomegranate folk custom
Pomegranate flowers and fruits are beautiful, red and lovely. For a long time, China people regarded it as an auspicious fruit, and many rural customs related to pomegranate were formed among the people. Historically, pomegranate symbolizes many blessings and longevity, as well as longevity and wealth. Because "pomegranate has many children", it means that the population is prosperous and the nation is prosperous. China used to have a kind of New Year pictures called "Hundred Paintings", which originally depicted Zhou Wenwang and his large group of children more than 3,000 years ago. They are the lucky stars of the past. Later, some people interpreted this painting as a big pomegranate with a fat doll holding its skin open. "For the picture, it means that there are many children and grandchildren." When young men and women get married, two big pomegranates will be hung in the bridal chamber. Wedding gifts always send a pair of pillows embroidered with pomegranate, wishing them an early birth; Relatives and friends like to give shoes, hats, clothes, pillows, etc. Embroidered with pomegranate patterns to express congratulations; When the elderly celebrate their birthdays, the younger generation will send pomegranates to wish them happiness and longevity. Therefore, pomegranate is an important gift given to each other by China people. Ancient women wore skirts and liked pomegranate red. "Pomegranate skirt" became synonymous with young women in ancient times. When men and women fall in love, there is a saying that they fall under the pomegranate skirt. In the past, some folk musical instruments, buildings and cakes were often decorated with pomegranate patterns. On the evening of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a traditional festival in China, almost every household in pomegranate producing areas will present pomegranates and moon cakes and enjoy the moon on the dining table to show family reunion and prosperity. This custom has been preserved in Japan, Hong Kong, Macao, Southeast Asia and other countries where overseas Chinese live in concentrated communities.