Although Grain Buds means that grains are about to become full, they are not mature yet. In ancient times, people usually ate potherbs to stay their hunger. Eating herbs of common sowthistle has a long history in China. Many ancient books have recorded this.

 

 

小满虽然预示着麦子将熟，但毕竟仍然处在一个青黄不接的阶段。在过去，百姓们在这个时候往往以野菜充饥。食苦菜在中国有着悠久的历史，苦菜的品种也多种多样。《埤雅》以荼为苦菜 。 《毛诗》曰：“谁谓荼苦？”是也。 鲍氏曰：“感火之气而苦味成。”《尔雅》曰：“不荣而实者谓之秀，荣而不实者谓之英，”此苦莱宜言英也。鲍氏曰：“感火之气而苦味成。”蔡邕 《月令》以谓苦荬菜。