2. The custom of China people eating melon seeds was very popular in the Ming Dynasty, and it became more and more serious in the Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China. Before the late Qing Dynasty, "melon seeds" were mainly watermelon seeds. Since the late Qing dynasty, pumpkin seeds have been popular, and sunflower seeds have sprung up in the Republic of China, which finally determined the situation of three pillars.
3./kloc-Gubocha, a French missionary in the middle of the 0/9th century, was shocked by the habit of eating melon seeds when he came to China: "These people regard eating melon seeds as an appetizer before eating, which is really an intriguing sight ... You can buy them anywhere, no matter on the side of the street or on the side of the path. Even in the most desolate areas, you don't have to worry about finding watermelon seeds.
Throughout the Qing empire, this form of consumption is indeed an incredible and unimaginable thing. "Not only ordinary people, but even the rich are no exception. When Lin Daiyu visited Xue Baochai in the eighth time of A Dream of Red Mansions, she chatted while eating melon seeds.
Extended data:
China people like to eat melon seeds, which may come from the concept of thrift, and then gradually go deep into the level of food culture and become a custom.
The custom of eating melon seeds probably originated in the north, not only because the records of eating melon seeds are mainly found in the historical documents in the north, but also because the winter in the north is cold and long. During the slack season, everyone stays at home to avoid the cold all day-figuratively called "cat winter", and the main ways to kill time are eating melon seeds and chatting.