The folk culture of Huanghuali

Huanghuali furniture made in Hainan Province collected by Hainan Provincial Museum. Photo by Chen Taiwu.

In Hainan, Huanghuali is not only regarded as a precious wood resource, but also endowed with profound cultural connotation. Local people have formed many customs and habits related to Huanghuali in their long-term production and life.

Sacrifice and blessing. In the traditional customs of Hainan, Huanghuali is regarded as the divine wood close to the gods and the auspicious wood. Therefore, in the family ancestral hall, temple and other places of the gods, shrines, Buddha statues, as well as the eight immortal table to worship the ancestors, the sedan chair to worship the gods, and the tilt of the head of the incense burner, most of them are carefully made of Huanghuali.

Ward off evil and keep peace. People in Hainan believe that Huanghuali has the effect of warding off evil spirits. In daily life, people will also wear bracelets made of yellow pear, Buddhist beads and other ornaments in order to protect peace and avoid evil.

Furniture making and collection. Hainan Huanghuali is not bad, corrosion resistance and moth ability is strong, can be passed down from generation to generation, Hainan people are keen to use it to make furniture and a variety of living utensils. Earlier, in many families in Hainan, you can see tables, chairs, beds and other furniture made of Huanghuali. These furniture and appliances not only have practical value, but also are regarded as a kind of art and heirloom.

Emergency medicine customs. Huanghuali leaf tea made by Li nationality has the function of clearing heat and detoxifying, calming the mind, invigorating spleen and appetizing, and has a significant improvement effect on relieving mental anxiety, indigestion, loss of appetite and other symptoms. The Han folk has also formed many medicinal customs related to Huanghuali. When experiencing headaches, abdominal pain or other symptoms of discomfort, people will use Huanghuali to boil water and drink. When people get hurt, they will grind the Huanghuali lea and apply it to the wound.(Compiled by reporter Qiu Jianghua)