Mrs. Hai’s house is at the edge of the village, next to the local cemetery. Her house is old, with faded roof tiles, but it always has a warm hearth and is filled with the pungent aroma of garlic and dried garlic skins. During the ghost month of July, the village folks whisper tales of the chilly winds, “ghosts”, and how the children are scared and unable to sleep, while the elderly and weak often fall sick.
Yet, no one has ever seen Mrs. Hai fear these cemetery stories. She warmly welcomes children running by, offering them small bowls of porridge or dried garlic skins to burn on their porches.
Through her, the villagers learned to use garlic to ward off evil spirits and negative energies when returning from the cemetery. When asked, Mrs. Hai simply smiles, revealing her toothless gums, and says, “I’m not superstitious, but I believe the warm, spicy, and fragrant smell of garlic keeps people alert and healthy, driving away any evil spirits. The scent of garlic reminds us to keep our homes warm, our hearts calm, and our bodies pure – thus, warding off any ‘evil’ thoughts from our minds.”
She recalls how her granddaughter once stayed with her during the rainy and gloomy ghost month of July and caught a cold, suffering from incessant coughing. Mrs. Hai cooked garlic porridge and burned a handful of garlic skins on the porch. Soon enough, her granddaughter recovered, free from cough, fever, and fear of ‘ghosts’.
Since then, Mrs. Hai’s house has always been filled with the aroma of roasted garlic and burning dried garlic skins, creating a cozy atmosphere. Her garden is now planted with abundant garlic, some for consumption and sale, while the dried skins are collected and given to villagers passing by.
Garlic has been associated with various legends, from hanging garlic at the doorway to folk rituals… Image source: Internet.
Folk belief: Garlic wards off evil spirits and negative energies during the ghost month
According to Feng Shui expert Ha Thanh, garlic has long been considered a symbol of yang energy, warmth, and health by our ancestors. Folk practices involve using garlic to dispel gloom and negative energies while increasing yang energy in the body.
In an era before the clear distinction between medicine and spirituality, our forefathers intuitively and experientially recognized garlic’s potential for natural defense against illnesses (commonly referred to as ‘evil energy’). Thus, garlic became intertwined with legends—from hanging garlic at the doorway to ward off “demons” to folk rituals for protecting homes and individuals. These practices formed the belief in garlic’s ability to ward off evil.
What does modern science say about garlic?
Through the lens of modern science, garlic is incredibly familiar and beneficial to humans, helping to maintain energy, health, and mental peace.
In traditional Chinese medicine, garlic is valued for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-boosting properties.
Western medicine attributes garlic’s benefits to its richness in allicin and sulfur compounds, which act as natural “antibiotics,” effectively preventing bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections, and reducing inflammation. The substances in garlic are also known to support cardiovascular and metabolic health and are being studied for their potential in cancer prevention, bone and joint health, digestive support, and even longevity when consumed regularly.
East meets West – “Ward off evil” transforms into “Protection”
The folk belief in garlic’s power has been passed down through generations, and with modern interpretations from Eastern and Western medicine, garlic has evolved from a tool to ward off evil to a means of protection:
– Hanging garlic bulbs or placing them at the entrance, according to folk belief, wards off evil spirits, demons, and negative energies. Scientifically, it helps eliminate damp and musty odors, enhances yang energy, and prevents illnesses associated with damp environments.
– Burning garlic skins and roasting garlic cloves in the kitchen: Scientifically, this is known as air purification and disinfection, creating a sense of ease and peace for the household.
– Carrying garlic bulbs to damp places or places prone to negative energies and illnesses (such as hospitals and cemeteries) is a way to boost yang energy and protect oneself.
Garlic creates a sense of reassurance, warmth, and increased yang energy when used in the household. Image source: Internet
Using garlic rationally, without superstition but with reason
Garlic instills a sense of reassurance, warmth, and increased yang energy when used in the household. Its primary benefits, according to science and practical experience, lie in its content of allicin and sulfur compounds, which exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory properties, and aid in preventing colds. Garlic is not a magical charm or a mysterious talisman, but it does help ward off illnesses, nurture energy, and elevate moods during the ghost month.
Cooking a bowl of garlic porridge for your loved ones is not just a wish for a miracle but a way to sow the seeds of warmth, the breath of life, and faith in the power of small yet enduring actions—this is the everyday miracle of garlic.
Burning dried garlic skins dispels fears, illnesses, and feelings of insecurity. During the seventh lunar month (the ghost month) or any period of rainy, chilly weather—when you keep your kitchen hearth burning, your porridge fragrant with garlic, and your mind calm and loving—you are already warding off evil in the best possible way.
The Feng Shui information in this article is for reference only.
The Unsung Hero: A Wild Plant’s Journey from Mud to Culinary Delight.
Once a humble root, hidden and forgotten in the muddy waters, the water chestnut has now emerged as a delicacy with a delicious taste and a nutritional profile to boast about. With twice the amount of folic acid found in spinach, this newly discovered treat offers a plethora of health benefits.
The Ultimate Superfood: Unveiling the Calcium-Rich Wonder Veiled by Mistaken Identity
Introducing a refreshing and nourishing dish that’s perfect for a wholesome family meal – a delicious soup that’s sure to impress! This soup is a culinary masterpiece, a true testament to the art of cooking. With its delicate balance of flavors and nutrients, it’s a dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Impress your family and friends with this delicious treat and watch as they savor every mouthful!
The Power of Jackfruit Seeds: Unlocking 3 Amazing Benefits for Your Health
The jackfruit seed is a beloved rustic delicacy, renowned for its nutty flavor and abundant nutritional benefits. This humble treat is more than just a tasty snack; it boasts a wealth of health-boosting properties that elevate it to superfood status. With its unique blend of nutrients and wholesome goodness, the jackfruit seed is a true gift of nature, offering a delicious way to nourish and nurture your body.
The Weedy Wonder: Unwanted Herb Turns Out to Be a Health Treasure
Few would have thought that this once-overlooked weed could become the shining star of healthy foods. This humble plant is now sought-after as a natural “panacea”, offering a myriad of benefits to the human body.
“Bananas: A Nutritional Powerhouse Fruit, But A Cautionary Tale for Those With These 3 Conditions”
“Bananas are a nutritious and affordable fruit, but they may not be suitable for everyone. With their high potassium and vitamin content, bananas offer an array of health benefits. However, for some individuals, particularly those with certain medical conditions, the consumption of bananas may need to be monitored or avoided altogether.”
