While the exact year when "orange" (橙) first appeared is now difficult to pinpoint, we can still trace its rich history and deep cultural roots through subtle references in ancient texts. As an integral part of Chinese culture, the character "orange" will continue to stand as a timeless symbol, witnessing the evolution and transformations of human society for generations to come.
Unveiling the Origins
Although archaeological evidence shows that orange cultivation in our country dates back as early as 2500 B.C., But The character "orange" first appears clearly in written records from the pre-Qin period, though the exact time remains a matter of debate.
A widely accepted view holds that the character "orange" first appeared in "The Tribute of Yu" In this ancient geographical work. "The Tribute of Yu" As The Book of Documents A part of it was compiled around the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), and the book provides a detailed description of China's geographical divisions and the distribution of its natural resources at that time. Among them, " Huaiwei Xuzhou "Renowned as the origin of 'oranges'."
During the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE), "The Spring and Autumn Annals of Yanzi" It records the following incident: When King Chu invited Yanzi to dine on "oranges," he provided a knife. Thus, these "oranges" were most likely tightly skinned, sweet oranges that required slicing open with a blade. This story also gave rise to a famous phrase that has had profound implications in both biology and philosophy: " Oranges grown in Huainan remain oranges, but those grown in Huaibei turn into trifoliate oranges. ”。
The Evolution of the Name
Over time, the character "orange" gradually moved away from being a verbally passed-down term and took on a fixed written form.
During the Eastern Han dynasty, Xu Shen's "Shuowen Jiezi" Providing us with the earliest textual explanation of the character "orange": Orange, a genus of the Citrus family. Derived from the character for "tree," with "dēng" as its phonetic component. "This explanation is concise and precise, clearly identifying the orange as belonging to the Rutaceae family and the Citrus genus botanically, while also revealing its character-building structure—composed of the radicals 'wood' and 'ascend,' with the former highlighting its tree-like nature and the latter suggesting the word's pronunciation."
The explanation of "orange" in "Shuowen Jiezi"
Contemporary
"East View of Han History"
And
"Southern Herbal Formulary"
Documents the history of sweet orange cultivation in the Lingnan region.
The name "Orange" first appeared in the work compiled by Zhang Yuxi and others in the fifth year of Jiayou during the Northern Song Dynasty (AD 1060). "Jiayou Materia Medica" “ Orange peel has a bitter, pungent, and warming taste... The tree is also an orange tree, with large leaves that are round—similar in size to oranges yet fragrant—and feature thick, wrinkled skin. It ripens in August. 。”
The Northern Song scholar Lu Dian in "Pi Ya" For the first time, "orange" was emphasized as an inherent characteristic of the fruit.
Cultural accumulation
The appearance of the character "orange" is not merely a simple marker in the evolution of writing—it is, rather, a profound reflection of Chinese culture’s deep understanding and utilization of the natural world. In ancient times, orange trees, with their delicious and distinctive fruits, became an indispensable part of daily life. Whether celebrated in the poetry of scholars or enjoyed as a cherished dish on ordinary people’s tables, the orange has seamlessly woven its unique charm into the very fabric of China’s cultural heritage.
Tang Dynasty Poem by Lü Wen "Sending a Monk Back to Zhangzhou" Says: The stream-side temple boasts ripe yellow oranges, while the sandy fields yield plump purple taro. “; the great literary master Su Dongpo of the Northern Song Dynasty, in "Gift to Liu Jingyun" The poem says: " Remember, the best time of year is when oranges turn orange and tangerines grow green—seize the moment! “At the same time, the lyricist Zhou Bangyan in "Juvenile Wanderings" It reads: " The scissors gleam like water, the Wu salt outshines snow, and delicate hands effortlessly slice into a fresh orange. ”
After the Song Dynasty, with the advancement of agricultural techniques and the expansion of cultivation areas, orange varieties became increasingly diverse, and the fruit’s status steadily rose. Not only did oranges gain immense popularity in the domestic market, but they also spread overseas via trade routes like the Silk Road, serving as a cultural bridge between East and West. Alongside this journey, the character "orange" itself gradually became more widely recognized and adopted by people as the fruit traveled across borders.
The meaning of modern
Today, the character "orange" is no longer just a simple literary symbol—it has come to embody rich cultural meanings and contemporary values. In the food industry, oranges are cherished as a nutrient-packed fruit; in the world of color, "orange" stands out for its warm, vibrant qualities, making it a popular choice in fashion and design; and in the realm of culture, the word "orange" is often associated with themes of abundance, joy, and other positive connotations, symbolizing good fortune and beauty.
While the exact year of "orange" (橙) first appearing is now difficult to pinpoint, we can still trace its rich history and profound cultural roots through subtle references in ancient texts. As an integral part of Chinese culture, the character "orange" will continue to stand as a timeless symbol, witnessing the evolution and transformations of human society for generations to come.
