What's the matter with five loads of watermelons in early June?

Watermelon on the fifth day of June originated from the legend of Tang Wang Xie Yanjun.

"Carrying watermelon" refers to a folk custom in Chaoshan area. Every year on the fifth day of the sixth lunar month, every household will make preparations in advance, insert peach branches and willow branches in the doors and windows of the house where they live or used to live, and prepare five kinds of fruits: peach, plum, litchi, grape, wampee and watermelon. These preparations are to worship ancestors and pray for peace. Among them, "carrying watermelon" means that in addition to the above five kinds of fruits, there must be watermelon when offering sacrifices to the bridge.

This custom is said to have originated in The Journey to the West, where the king of the Tang Dynasty went to the underworld. Because King Jinghe sued, Li Shimin, the king of the Tang Dynasty, was invited to confront the ghost. Wei Zhi sent a letter to Cui Yu, extending the life span of the Tang King by 20 years. In order to repay Yan Jun, the King of Tang promised to repay him with melons and fruits. Later, it gradually evolved into sending watermelons to Yanjun every summer.

The meaning of carrying watermelon

1, gratitude for kindness: According to legend, carrying watermelons originated from the story of the middle and middle Tang kings in The Journey to the West thanking Yan Jun for his kindness. In order to thank Yan Jun for extending his birthday, the King of Tang promised to send watermelons every summer to show his gratitude. Therefore, carrying watermelon has become a symbol of gratitude and return.

2. Sacrificing ancestors: In the custom of carrying watermelons, people will worship their ancestors and express their respect and thoughts. Through such ceremonies, people hope that their ancestors will get peace and protection in the spirit of heaven.

3. Pray for peace and good luck: The custom of carrying watermelons also means praying for peace and good luck. People believe that by offering sacrifices to ancestors and fruits, disasters can be eliminated, ancestors can bless them, and families will be happy, harmonious, safe and auspicious.

4. Inheriting culture: Carrying watermelon is an ancient tradition in Chaoshan area. After several generations of inheritance, it has become a unique cultural symbol in Chaoshan area. In the process of carrying watermelons, people not only feel the heritage of traditional culture, but also deepen their feelings for family and place.