Explanation of Names

Fatty DewCompendium Auspicious DewCompendium Celestial WineCompendium Divine Syrup

Shizhen says: According to the Illustrations of Auspicious Omens, Sweet Dew is a "beautiful dew." It is the essence of the divine spirits and the moistening grace of benevolence and luck. Its consistency is like fat or grease, and its taste is as sweet as maltose; hence it earned the names "Fatty Dew," "Wine," and "Syrup." The Book of the Jin Restoration states: "When a King respects and cares for the elderly, then Sweet Dew descends upon the pines and cypresses; when he honors the worthy and accommodates the masses, it descends upon the bamboo and reeds." The Map of Arranged Stars notes: "When the 'Heavenly Milk' star shines bright and moist, Sweet Dew shall descend." All the aforementioned theories suggest that this dew is a response to "Auspicious Qi" An ancient Chinese belief that the virtues of a ruler could influence the weather and natural phenomena..

However, the Spring and Autumn Annals of Master Lü states: "Among the finest waters is the dew of SanweiA legendary mountain mentioned in the Classic of Mountains and Seas.; among the finest seasonings is the dew of Jieyu." Its color is purple. The Records of Omissions states: "On the Kunlun Mountains, there is Sweet Dew; looking at it, it resembles cinnabar. When it touches plants and trees, it is as white and crystalline as snow." The Classic of Mountains and Seas notes: "In the fields of Zhuwo, the people of Mount Yao drink Sweet Dew; even those who do not live long reach eight hundred years of age." The Gazetteer of the Unified Realm records: "Mount Meng in Ya Province frequently produces Sweet Dew." These theories suggest that Sweet Dew is simply a regular product of certain geographical regions.

Du GaoA Song dynasty scholar known for his rationalistic views on natural phenomena. argued that Sweet Dew is not actually an auspicious omen. Rather, it occurs when plants are about to wither and their internal essence is suddenly expelled to the exterior. He called this phenomenon Quexioriginal: 雀錫; literally "Sparrow's Tin" or "Bird's Solder." This likely refers to what we now know as honeydew, a sticky substance excreted by insects like aphids, or a sugary plant exudate.. This explanation is very logical.

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Chen Zangqi

Nature and Flavor

Sweet, greatly cold, non-toxic.

Primary Indications

Eaten, it moistens the five internal organs. Consumed over a long period, it prevents hunger and leads to the state of a divine immortal.

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