When it comes to expressing love, many people first think of roses, but little do they know that in ancient China, the symbols of love were the double lotus and peony. As stated in the “Book of Songs, Zheng Feng”: “The gentleman and the lady, they jest with each other, gifting her with Shao Yao (Peony).” In fact, roses have little connection to love. The modern association of roses with love is influenced by Western culture. If someone gifts you Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), what would you think? Dang Gui is warm in nature, sweet and pungent in flavor, and has functions such as invigorating blood, nourishing blood, moistening dryness, promoting bowel movements, regulating menstruation, and alleviating pain. So, congratulations on earning the title of ‘straight man.’ Did you not hear the pun in ‘Dang Gui’? It means to return home. Today’s love is no longer limited by geography or nationality; even across oceans, couples can meet daily. Videos allow them to hear each other’s voices and see each other’s faces, but they lack a bit of warmth. This love that transcends space actually tests the heart more and is more understanding. The longing for each other manifests in various forms, such as writing letters or sending tokens of affection, ultimately hoping for a reunion. Dang Gui can not only be used in medicine and medicinal cuisine but also evokes strong feelings of longing and the urgency to meet. However, some young men and women seem to no longer believe in ‘envying only the mandarin ducks, not the immortals.’ The timeless topic of love has lost its former brilliance. After all, if one has not truly experienced it, they will not know where their heart lies.
If you grant me Yuan Yang Teng (Dichroa febrifuga), I wish to walk hand in hand with you until old age.
The meaning of Dang Gui can only be understood by those who are deeply in love.