Lykkers, have you ever wondered why these crustaceans are so much more than just a delicious treat on our plates? Every year, when crab season arrives, we eagerly enjoy their rich flavors.

But did you know that these crustaceans have also been deeply connected to poetry, literature, and even social commentary for centuries? Let's dive into some fascinating “crab culture” and uncover the unique meanings behind these sideways-walking creatures!

Crab in Poetry: Turning Flavor into Words

For centuries, poets have transformed the taste of these crustaceans into beautiful verses. The love for these crustaceans was so strong that many famous writers couldn't help but describe their flavors in great detail.

During the Tang Dynasty, Lu Guimeng received a gift of crab from his friend Pi Rixiu and wrote a poem in return. He compared the crab's shell to morning dew and its white foam to sea frost, making it sound almost magical.

In the Southern Song Dynasty, scholar Xu Sidiao, despite his struggles, expressed his passion for crab in a famous poem: “Not seeing Mount Lu is a loss for the eyes, not eating crab is a loss for the stomach.” This perfectly captures how irresistible crab were!

Many other poets also praised crab. Tang Yanquan described them as “red jade filled with fresh sweetness,” while Su Shi wrote about how crab paired perfectly with drinks, urging people to eat and enjoy. Yang Wanli compared crab meat to white jade and crab roe to melted gold, emphasizing their richness. Even Lu You, a poet of old age, said eating crab made his dim vision suddenly sharper—quite an endorsement!

Holding Crab and Drinks: A Symbol of Freedom

Have you ever heard of the phrase “holding a crab in one hand and a drink in the other”? This image comes from an old story about Bi Zhuo, an Eastern Jin official known for his carefree lifestyle. He once said, “If I could sit in a boat filled with drinks, with crab at my fingertips, I would be content for life.” His words became a symbol of living freely without constraints.

Later, poets and scholars embraced this idea. Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai, known for his love of drinks, wrote about crab being like liquid gold and drinks being like a magical land. But behind his joyful words, there was often a sense of hidden sorrow. Similarly, poet Pi Rixiu praised crab for their boldness, comparing them to rebels who defy authority—a reflection of his dissatisfaction with the political world.

Crab as a Warning: The Fall of the Arrogant

Because crab walk sideways, they have also been used as a metaphor for arrogance and unchecked power. In history, many corrupt officials were compared to crab, their “sideways” behavior symbolizing their abuse of power.

During the Northern Song Dynasty, a notorious official named Zhu Mian was known for his greed and corruption. Someone wrote a clever couplet about crab to mock him: “No matter how clean the water, crab still have black claws. No matter how chubby the crab get, they still turn red when cooked.” The message was clear—no matter how powerful a corrupt person might be, they would eventually face the consequences.

Famous painter Xu Wei from the Ming Dynasty also used these crustaceans in his poetry to criticize greedy politicians. He described their strong claws as weapons but reminded readers that they could still be flipped over easily, much like corrupt officials who think they are untouchable but eventually fall.

Even in Dream of the Red Chamber, one of China's greatest novels, these crustaceans were used in a poetic battle between characters. While some poems celebrated their deliciousness, others warned about their nature. One poem noted, “these crustaceans walk without a clear path, and inside, they are only black and yellow.” This was a clever way of criticizing those who appear impressive on the outside but lack real substance inside.

These crustaceans in Modern Times: A Reminder from the Past

Even today, these crustaceans continue to carry symbolic meanings. While we still enjoy their taste, their cultural significance reminds us of important life lessons—whether it's about indulgence, freedom, or the inevitable downfall of arrogance.

So next time we break open a crab, let's not only enjoy its rich flavors but also think about the fascinating history behind it. What do you think, Lykkers? Have you ever come across interesting food-related stories or poems? Share them with us!