Cinnamon: A Symbolic Odyssey in Art and Literature贯穿文学艺术的肉桂符号

Cinnamon， a spice derived from the inner bark of Cinnamomum trees， has been an integral part of human history for centuries. Beyond its culinary applications， cinnamon has found its way into art and literature， where it has served as a symbol， a motif， and a source of inspiration for artists and writers alike.

肉桂是一种香料，从樟属树木的内层树皮炮制而成。数个世纪以来，它在人类历史上一直是不可或缺的重要部分。它不仅被应用于烹饪，还进入了艺术和文学之中，成为一个象征符号、一种文学母题，以及艺术家和作家的灵感来源。

Cinnamon in ancient art and literature

古代艺术和文学中的肉桂

In ancient art， cinnamon found its way into depictions of opulent banquets， religious rituals， and luxurious offerings. Its presence in these artworks represented wealth and abundance， evoking a sense of exoticism and indulgence. Paintings and sculptures from ancient Egypt， Mesopotamia， and the Greco-Roman world often featured cinnamon as a precious commodity， enhancing the cultural significance of the spice.

在古代艺术中，肉桂被用于描绘奢华的宴会、宗教仪式和盛大的供品。这些艺术品中，肉桂的出现就代表了财富和丰裕，唤起了异国情调和放纵的感觉。古埃及、美索不达米亚和希腊-罗马世界的绘画和雕塑时常将肉桂当作珍贵的商品加以重点描绘，加强了这一香料的文化价值。

In literature， cinnamon was celebrated for its medicinal properties and divine aroma. Ancient texts， such as those from ancient Indian Ayurvedic1 traditions， Chinese herbal medicine， and the works of Greek and Roman scholars， praised cinnamon for its healing qualities， including its use as a potent aphrodisiac. Furthermore， the spice was celebrated in poetry and mythological tales， attributing mystical qualities to this fragrant bark.

文学中，肉桂因其药用特性和神圣的香气著称。古代文献中有文字称赞肉桂的治疗功用，包括它可被用作强效催情药——那些文字有的是关于古印度阿育吠陀传统和中草药学的，还有的出自希腊和罗马学者的著作。此外，这一香料还在诗歌和神话故事中受到称颂，芬芳的树皮被赋予了神秘的特质。

Cinnamon’s role in medieval trade

肉桂在中世纪贸易中的作用

Cinnamon played a crucial role in medieval trade， serving as one of the most sought-after and valuable commodities of the time. Originating from regions like India， Sri Lanka， and Southeast Asia， cinnamon had to travel long and dangerous trade routes to reach Europe and the Mediterranean， contributing to its scarcity and high price.

肉桂在中世纪贸易中起到了关键作用，是当时最受追捧、最为昂贵的商品之一。肉桂原产于印度、斯里兰卡和东南亚地区，需要经过长距离的运输，途经危机重重的贸易路线，方能到达欧洲和地中海，这导致了它数量稀少、价格高昂。

The demand for cinnamon in medieval Europe was immense due to its diverse culinary， medicinal， and religious uses. It was a favored spice in preparing lavish dishes， adding flavor and aroma to the cuisine of the nobility and the wealthy. Additionally， cinnamon was believed to possess medicinal properties and a staple ingredient in various herbal remedies and potions.

中世纪欧洲对于肉桂的需求是巨大的，因为它有多种的烹饪、医疗和宗教方面的作用。它是烹制奢华菜肴时深受欢迎的佐料，给贵族和富人的饭菜里添加风味和香气。此外，肉桂也被认为有药用价值，是各种草药和药水的主要成分。

The trade of cinnamon was dominated by Arab merchants and later by the Venetians， who established lucrative spice routes and trading posts. These merchants would purchase cinnamon in the East and then transport it to significant trade centers such as Venice and Constantinople （Istanbul） before disseminating it throughout Europe.

肉桂贸易先是由阿拉伯商人主导，后来转入威尼斯人手中，他们建立起利润丰厚的香料贸易路线和贸易站。这些商人从东方购买肉桂，然后将其运至重要的贸易中心，如威尼斯和君士坦丁堡（今伊斯坦布尔），再分运至欧洲各地。

Due to its high value and limited supply， cinnamon was often used as a form of currency or payment in medieval trade transactions. It was highly prized in royal courts and was frequently gifted between monarchs and dignitaries as a symbol of goodwill and diplomacy.

因其具有的极高价值和有限的供应量，肉桂在中世纪的贸易活动中常被用作货币或支付方式。它在皇室宫廷中极受推崇，常常作为友善和外交的象征，在君王间和权贵间相互馈赠。

The demand for cinnamon and other spices led to the exploration and expansion of trade routes， contributing to the Age of Exploration2 in the late medieval and early modern periods. The spice trade significantly shaped global commerce， cultural exchange， and geopolitical dynamics during the medieval era.

对肉桂和其他香料的需求导致了对贸易路线的探索和拓展，促成了中世纪晚期和现代早期的地理大发现。香料贸易显著地影响了中世纪时期的全球贸易、文化交往和地缘政治动态。

Religious and symbolic significance

宗教和象征意义

Cinnamon held religious and symbolic significance in various ancient cultures. It was used as an offering to gods and deities in religious ceremonies， symbolizing devotion and spirituality.

肉桂在各种各样的古代文化中都具有宗教和象征意义。它被用在宗教仪式中，成为敬献给神祇的祭品，象征着虔诚和灵性。

Its sweet aroma was believed to elevate prayers and create a divine ambiance. Cinnamon’s rarity and luxurious nature also symbolized prosperity and wealth， 525f22115e98522aff49a32f034b2656d7b5705d034fb052827ea66a20ecc7c5representing abundance and blessings.

肉桂的香味据信可以让祈祷仪式更显虔诚，营造一种神圣的氛围。肉桂的稀有和令人感官愉悦的属性也象征着繁荣和财富，代表了富足与祝福。

In some cultures， it was associated with love， passion， and sensuality， leading to its use as an aphrodisiac. Cinnamon’s religious and symbolic significance contributed to its veneration and use in rituals， making it a cherished and revered spice in many ancient civilizations.

在有些文化中，肉桂与爱、激情和肉欲联系起来，使得它被用作催情药。肉桂的宗教和象征意义使得它在仪式中受到敬奉和使用，成为许多古代文明所珍视和推崇的一种香料。

Cinnamon in Traditional Chinese Medicine

中医药中的肉桂

In Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM）， cinnamon， known as “Rou Gui” or “Gui Zhi，” has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is considered a warming herb believed to invigorate circulation， dispel cold， and strengthen the body’s yang energy. Cinnamon treats conditions like cold hands and feet， menstrual disorders， and digestive problems.

在中医药里，肉桂（也叫桂枝）数个世纪以来一直因具医药价值而被使用。它被认为是一种性质温热的草药，具有活血驱寒、补火助阳的功效。肉桂可用于治疗手足生寒、月经不调和消化不良等病症。

It is also valued for promoting cardiovascular health， reducing inflammation， and supporting the immune system. Cinnamon is often included in TCM herbal formulas to balance and harmonize the body’s energies and enhance overall well-being. Additionally， cinnamon’s sweet and spicy flavor helps to harmonize the actions of other herbs in a formula.

它还有助于促进心血管健康、消炎和增强免疫系统。肉桂常被列入中药配方中，以达到平衡阴阳、强身健体的目的。此外，肉桂甜而辛辣的味道有助于协调配方中其他药材的作用。

Cinnamon can be used in various forms， including as a dried bark or in powdered form. It is frequently incorporated into herbal teas， decoctions， or applied topically as a part of herbal remedies to address a wide range of health concerns and maintain balance and harmony in the body according to TCM principles.

肉桂可以以各种形态使用，包括干树皮或者研磨粉。它经常被加入药草茶或汤剂中，或者作为草药治疗的一部分外用，按照中医药原理来解决广泛的健康问题，并维持体内的阴阳平衡和协调。

Cinnamon in modern art and literature

现代艺术和文学中的肉桂

In modern art， cinnamon has been used as a unique and intriguing medium， adding texture and fragrance to various artistic creations. Some contemporary artists have incorporated cinnamon powder or cinnamon sticks into their paintings， sculptures， and mixed-media works， creating multi-sensory experiences for the viewers. The spice’s warm， earthy aroma can evoke nostalgia or feelings of comfort， enhancing the emotional impact of the artwork.

在现代艺术中，肉桂被用作一种独特且迷人的媒介，给各种各样的艺术创作增添质感和香味。有些当代艺术家将肉桂粉或者肉桂棒融入到他们的绘画、雕塑和混合媒介作品中，给观众带来多种感官体验。这种香料温暖的泥土芳香能够唤起怀旧情怀或慰藉的观感，从而提高艺术作品的情感冲击力。

Cinnamon continues to be referenced in literature for its cultural significance and aromatic allure. It may appear in poems， novels， and essays as a symbol of exoticism， luxury， or sensuality. Writers might use cinnamon to enhance descriptions of places， characters， or culinary experiences， creating vivid imagery for readers.

因其文化意义和芳香诱惑，肉桂在文学作品中被持续提及。它出现在诗歌、小说和散文中，或象征着异域情调、奢华和对肉体感官的追求。作家用肉桂来加强他们对地点、人物或美食体验的描述，为读者创造出栩栩如生的画面感。

Moreover， cinnamon remains a popular ingredient in modern culinary literature， celebrated in cookbooks and food writing. Chefs and food enthusiasts often explore creative ways to incorporate cinnamon into various dishes， from sweet desserts to savory spice blends， showcasing its versatility and global appeal.

此外，肉桂在现代烹饪著作中仍然是一种受欢迎的佐料，在食谱和美食写作中十分出名。厨师和美食爱好者经常探索出创意十足的方式将肉桂用于各种各样的食物中，从甜点到可口的复合香料，不一而足，展现出肉桂的多功能性和全球吸引力。

（译者单位：北京外国语大学）

1形容词，派生自梵文名词Ayurveda（义为“长生之术”）。阿育吠陀是印度的传统医学，其医疗方法主要有三种：药草疗法、推拿疗法及瑜珈疗法。

2地理大发现时期（又称the Age of Discovery）大约从15世纪持续到17世纪。在该时期内，欧洲的船队出现在世界各处的海洋上，寻找新的贸易路线和贸易伙伴，以发展欧洲新生的资本主义。在这些远洋探索中，欧洲人发现了许多当时不为人知的国家与地区，包括美洲。