A Glutton Tree: Why Do Trees in China "Eat" Pork and Drink Wine (5 photos)

Did you know that some Chinese people spoon-feed trees? They even cut a slit in the tree with an axe first, giving it a "mouth" so it can "eat" better. That's kindness and love with an axe.





An elder cuts the thick bark with a knife.

This is done by the Ge Lao people of Guizhou Province, a tradition that dates back to a time when they were more closely connected to nature. This ritual is called "Feeding the Tree," and it is meant to ensure a bountiful harvest. The level of thinking here is almost primal: you give something of yourself to the tree and nature (represented by the tree), and it will repay you with a good harvest.



A man feeds a tree until it's full

Since ancient times, the Gelao people have been engaged in agriculture, growing rice on the plains and various grain crops in the arid mountainous regions. Therefore, the survival of almost the entire settlement depended on the future harvest. To reduce their fear of the future, the Gelao decided to at least control their destiny in this way. Wei Shu (the Chinese word for "Feeding the Tree") is performed twice a year: on the Gelao New Year and the Spring Festival.





See the fresh cuts under the layer of rice?

There's even a list of the foods that trees like to "eat" the most. These include rice wine, pork, fresh fish, and glutinous rice. Family members bring all these gifts to the mountain as offerings. Before feeding the tree, firecrackers are set off on the mountain to signify that today is a special day (and to "awaken" the tree). Then, the tallest, thickest, most ancient tree is chosen, as it is clearly the most important one here. And they begin worship, burning paper and incense before him, after which everyone kneels before him and bows.



Local residents still rely on agriculture for their livelihood.

Then, using a knife or axe, three small cuts are made in the bark of this large tree. Another participant "feeds" the tree by placing symbolic offerings of meat, rice, and wine in the cuts. These cuts are then sealed with red paper. While feeding, one should chant: "I will feed you rice, give you grapes; I will feed you meat, give you fruit." It's as if they are making a verbal contract with nature. Other food can be added as well, but the main thing is to offer it from the heart.



Children dance in a circle around a fed tree

At the end of the ritual, participants remove weeds and cultivate the soil around the base of the tree, symbolizing cultivation and prosperity. This is also to help the tree feel better after such feeding. A deeply pagan and safe belief, it's amazing how it has survived through the centuries in its original form.