Summer is here-- at least as it’s defined in the traditional lunar calendar.
In today’s Taiwan, the start of summer brings to mind beaches and barbecues, much as it does in the rest of the world. But in traditional Taiwan, it instead meant observing certain taboos and rules meant to keep people healthy through the hot weather.
In the traditional lunar calendar, Tuesday was the start of a period called “Lixia”, which marks the end of spring and leads up to the summer solstice.
In Taiwan, this was once seen as a time of year when it was especially important to look after one’s health. The importance people placed on keeping the body well during this time gave birth to some interesting customs.
For one thing, it was thought that sitting on the threshold of a door during this time of year was a bad idea. Today, traditional thresholds are only seen in temples and some historic buildings- high, stone door sills that have to be stepped over with care.
Folklore expert Chang Hsu-chu says one of the door gods celebrates his birthday during this period. Sitting on his turf will anger him and cause the sitter to fall ill.
One custom modern nutritionists can get behind is the eating of red fruits and vegetables during this time of year. Traditional thought classified these as “yang” foods, as opposed to “yin” foods, and said that they were appropriate for the season. Doctors say go for it. These are good for you anyway, and they are hydrating foods as well.