说“海枣”:有关丝绸之路的传说和史实

Date Palm:Legends and Historical Facts of the Ancient Silk Road

在关于中土与外域文化交流的文献记录中可见"海枣"。相关信息具有神秘色彩,以往有人以为探求其实,如"系风""捕影"。"海枣"作为从一个特殊侧面表现中外文明交往的文化符号,在一定程度上反映了中原人对于海外世界的认识,进行相关探索,有益于说明丝绸之路交通史中若干涉及早期开发与远方探索的情节。中国早期有关"海枣"的知识,可能与"番枣""椰枣""波斯枣"有关。对于"海枣"的考察,是交通史研究的主题,对于植物史、果品史、饮食史的研究,也有积极的意义。

Phoenix dactylifera,commonly known as date or date palm,has been found in the literature about the exchange between ancient China and foreign countries and regions.For its remoteness and mystery,scholars in the past found it aimless and ambiguous to trace the origin and history of date palm.Representing the exchange between the Chinese civilization and other ones from a particular perspective,this has to some extent reflected the perception and knowledge of the people in the Central Plain in ancient China about other countries;and the relevant explorations are helpful in the description of the early development and exploration of other remote countries and regions during the communication on the Ancient Silk Road.The knowledge of date palm in the early stage in China may be related to Fanzao(literally"alien date"),Yezao(literally"coconut date")or Persian Date,all of which are alias of palm date.The exploration of date palm constitutes a theme in the research on the history of communication;and may be positive for the summary of the history of plants,fruits and dietary.