Tram Huong in Vietnam has long been dubbed as a valuable elixir, a talisman to help people stay healthy, successful and happy. Tram accompanies the length of national history, in the routine of daily life culture. People use Tram, play Tram and always treasure it as a precious gift from God. In Vietnam, a country with a large and high value of Agarwood production has cherished such wood. So in Japan, how doesn’t a country produce Agarwood how do they use it? Let’s discover this with Thien Moc Huong in the following article.
I. Tram Huong for Japanese people
- How does Tram Huong come to Japan?
The origin of this precious wood comes from southern China or India. However, with favorable climate, some Southeast Asian countries also produce Agarwood. In particular, Vietnam is considered a country with large output and high quality. Unlike those countries, Japan is a place where this precious wood cannot be created. They have to import from other countries. Although expensive and difficult to buy them, but in Japanese history, Tram Huong has existed for a long time and is treasured.
Starting from a large 1.8m diameter log drifting to the land near today’s Kobe port. People have taken it to make firewood. When burned, they noticed a sweet aroma over the whole area. The fragrance is very soft, warm and feels relaxed. Knowing it was precious wood, they offered it to Emperor Suiko. Since then, Tram has been widely used in Japanese culture.
- Tram Huong in the minds of the Japanese
In Japanese, Tram Huong is jin-koh. This name means being immersed in the sweet fragrance.
Tram Huong was associated with the introduction of Buddhism into this country in the 6th century. Ever since they knew this precious wood, they used it in matters related to Buddhism. When Emperor Tenji became ill, he offered Tram to the Buddha to pray for peace.
Agarwood micro landscape
Tram Huong has many meanings for Japanese people
Ranjatai Agarwood, a gift from China is considered the national treasure of the land of the rising sun. Currently, Agarwood is on display at the National Museum and is still intact. That shows how much Japanese values this wood.
Besides the value of Buddhism, according to Japanese scientists, the active substance in Ky Nam has the ability to treat a number of diseases related to BDNF deficiency causing people to suffer from depression, schizophrenia and autism. vision, memory loss, Parkinson … It can be seen that Tram is also considered a heavenly medicine.
II. How the Japanese use Tram
- Used to soak wine and make spices
Not long ago, the Japanese launched the movement to use Tram quite strange. Because of the scent and the wonderful uses, they took this wood to soak wine or to marinate the chicken. At that time, this movement exploded and flourished. People call soaked wine with men the “period of men” has a very good effect on health. Besides, the “male millet” refers to the period used as a spice marinated in grilled chicken. The addition of this aromatic wood to the dish has added value many times. However, this is just a trend that has emerged for a while. It is possible that they are exaggerating the magical and expensive uses of the Cochinchinese. - The custom of burning and the culture of rewarding Tram
The custom of burning Tram
Compared to the small landscape, jewelry, … then burning Tram is the Japanese favorite since ancient times. In the beginning, Tram is a blend of Tram with sugar, plums and raisins. It sounds simple but they are all high-class Japanese materials, imported from China. Because of that, the burning of Tram becomes a symbol of wealth and power.
Incense and porcelain incense
Tram burning became a culture
Tram’s reward culture
Jin-koh is cut into pieces and it is called mei-koh. Mei-koh pieces are stored for later generations. Historically, the reward of Tram was very popular. However, due to the expensive price, this hobby is only for the rich and powerful. Even in the edo period, they even opened a school to teach Tram the best way.
Outstanding in that, may include the Koudou culture. Koudou-incense is considered a cultural feature, a unique identity of the people of the land of the rising sun for generations. There is a special thing about how to enjoy Japanese incense. They not only use their nose to smell but also use all 5 senses to enjoy the full fragrance of heaven and earth. Compared to the cultural traits such as tea ceremony, flower ceremony, kendo, and incense are somewhat less famous. However, it is a traditional ritual.
This is a form of wits and incense to see who can accurately distinguish the different scents. The Japanese divided into 5 types of scents corresponding to 5 flavors: sweet, bitter, spicy, sour and salty.
It can be said that, from rewarding Tram has created a unique and interesting Koudou culture of Japan.
Frankincense smoke waterfall
Tram reward shows power and wealth