As the temple bells ring, signaling the approach of Chun Jie, or Spring Festival, the air thickens with the scent of burning incense and the murmur of prayers. I, a humble temple keeper, observe the preparations of the families who come to pay their respects to the gods. One of the most significant activities undertaken in the weeks leading up to the festival is the pressing of oil. This is not a task performed year-round, but a ritual tied closely to the rhythms of the agricultural calendar and the social fabric of our community.
1️⃣ Time Context: The primary time for oil pressing in ancient China, especially in rural areas, aligned with the late autumn and early winter months, typically from the solar term Li Dong (立冬 - Beginning of Winter) through Xiao Han (小寒 - Minor Cold) and Da Han (大寒 - Major Cold). This timing coincided with the harvest of oil-bearing crops, primarily sesame, rapeseed, and peanuts. The pressing process would often continue into the early part of the new year, but the bulk of the activity was concentrated in the pre-festival period. The storage of the oil, meant for cooking and anointing, had a relationship with the cold weather as well. The low temperatures assisted in stabilizing the oil and, with proper storage, prevented spoilage.
2️⃣ Coordination with Calendar: Oil pressing was deeply intertwined with the agrarian calendar and specific solar terms. The harvest of crops like sesame, which was often planted after the spring rains, determined the timing. The processing needed to take place before the onset of the harshest winter weather. The solar terms of Li Dong marked the official commencement of winter, and this was an excellent time to start preparing for the year to come. The New Year celebration, the apex of the lunar calendar, demanded an abundance of cooking oil for the festive meals and preparation of offerings to the ancestors and the deities. Families would press oil in time for the new year’s feast. The lunar calendar dictated the rhythm of the festival, and the timing of the oil pressing was strategically scheduled to ensure the new oil was ready for the celebration. These observations helped guide the farmers. They would also watch the weather. For instance, cold air brought about by a storm might mean the harvest needed to be sped up.
3️⃣ Social Implications: The activity of oil pressing went far beyond a simple food preparation task. It held profound social implications for the village. Families often worked together, coordinating the pressing in communal facilities. These facilities, ranging from small, family-owned setups to larger, village-operated mills, served as social hubs during this period. The pressing itself often required significant manpower, with the animals or mechanisms employed to crush the seeds and extract the oil. The entire process fostered a spirit of cooperation and shared labor. It was a time for neighbors to assist each other, and for the younger generation to learn the skills necessary for self-sufficiency.
The quality of the oil was seen as a reflection of the family's prosperity and diligence. Fine oil was critical for the preparation of the elaborate dishes served during the Spring Festival. It represented the family's ability to provide for themselves and to show hospitality to guests. The amount and quality of the oil stored would also impact the family's ability to entertain guests during the New Year. The oils were also used for fuel to give light for family gatherings, especially in the evening. Furthermore, oil was utilized in religious ceremonies and rituals. The oil could be used to anoint statues, lamps, and other objects critical to temple rituals and home altars.
Beyond its utilitarian purpose, the activity had symbolic significance. The fresh, fragrant oil represented renewal and the promise of a bountiful harvest in the coming year. It was used in many practices, and thus, its availability was seen as a basic necessity for the well-being of the village. The process was a link between the past year's hard work and the family's aspirations for the future. The quality and abundance of the oil symbolized both the past season's success and the hopes of the family. The oil, pressed from the seeds that came from the fields and nurtured by the rains and the sun, was a symbol of the interconnectedness of human life, agriculture, and the celestial cycles.
4️⃣ Modern Comparison: The practice of oil pressing has undergone a radical transformation in the modern era. The traditional methods, using stone mills, animals, and manual labor, have largely been replaced by industrial-scale operations. Today, the process is streamlined and mechanized, operating in factories and large facilities. The timing has been disconnected from the seasonal rhythms. Modern oil production operates year-round, divorced from the constraints of the harvest cycle. The family and community element has largely disappeared as well. Instead, the process is often a large-scale commercial endeavor.
The modern focus is upon production and profit. The symbolic significance of the oil pressing for societal harmony has been diminished. While quality remains important, the intimate connection between the family, the land, and the celebration, that was so crucial in ancient times, has dissolved. The ancient oil pressing was about the family and their traditions. While convenience and efficiency are priorities, the ritual, the community, and the connection to the land are all greatly lessened.
--- This article is based on traditional Chinese calendrical systems and historical texts, provided for cultural learning and reference purposes only.