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.

肉桂是一種香料，從樟屬樹木的內(nèi)層樹皮炮制而成。數(shù)個世紀(jì)以來，它在人類歷史上一直是不可或缺的重要部分。它不僅被應(yīng)用于烹飪，還進(jìn)入了藝術(shù)和文學(xué)之中，成為一個象征符號、一種文學(xué)母題，以及藝術(shù)家和作家的靈感來源。

Cinnamon in ancient art and literature

古代藝術(shù)和文學(xué)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.

在古代藝術(shù)中，肉桂被用于描繪奢華的宴會、宗教儀式和盛大的供品。這些藝術(shù)品中，肉桂的出現(xiàn)就代表了財富和豐裕，喚起了異國情調(diào)和放縱的感覺。古埃及、美索不達(dá)米亞和希臘-羅馬世界的繪畫和雕塑時常將肉桂當(dāng)作珍貴的商品加以重點(diǎn)描繪，加強(qiáng)了這一香料的文化價值。

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.

文學(xué)中，肉桂因其藥用特性和神圣的香氣著稱。古代文獻(xiàn)中有文字稱贊肉桂的治療功用，包括它可被用作強(qiáng)效催情藥——那些文字有的是關(guān)于古印度阿育吠陀傳統(tǒng)和中草藥學(xué)的，還有的出自希臘和羅馬學(xué)者的著作。此外，這一香料還在詩歌和神話故事中受到稱頌，芬芳的樹皮被賦予了神秘的特質(zhì)。

Cinnamon’s role in medieval trade

肉桂在中世紀(jì)貿(mào)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.

肉桂在中世紀(jì)貿(mào)易中起到了關(guān)鍵作用，是當(dāng)時最受追捧、最為昂貴的商品之一。肉桂原產(chǎn)于印度、斯里蘭卡和東南亞地區(qū)，需要經(jīng)過長距離的運(yùn)輸，途經(jīng)危機(jī)重重的貿(mào)易路線，方能到達(dá)歐洲和地中海，這導(dǎo)致了它數(shù)量稀少、價格高昂。

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.

中世紀(jì)歐洲對于肉桂的需求是巨大的，因?yàn)樗卸喾N的烹飪、醫(yī)療和宗教方面的作用。它是烹制奢華菜肴時深受歡迎的佐料，給貴族和富人的飯菜里添加風(fēng)味和香氣。此外，肉桂也被認(rèn)為有藥用價值，是各種草藥和藥水的主要成分。

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.

肉桂貿(mào)易先是由阿拉伯商人主導(dǎo)，后來轉(zhuǎn)入威尼斯人手中，他們建立起利潤豐厚的香料貿(mào)易路線和貿(mào)易站。這些商人從東方購買肉桂，然后將其運(yùn)至重要的貿(mào)易中心，如威尼斯和君士坦丁堡（今伊斯坦布爾），再分運(yùn)至歐洲各地。

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.

因其具有的極高價值和有限的供應(yīng)量，肉桂在中世紀(jì)的貿(mào)易活動中常被用作貨幣或支付方式。它在皇室宮廷中極受推崇，常常作為友善和外交的象征，在君王間和權(quán)貴間相互饋贈。

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.

對肉桂和其他香料的需求導(dǎo)致了對貿(mào)易路線的探索和拓展，促成了中世紀(jì)晚期和現(xiàn)代早期的地理大發(fā)現(xiàn)。香料貿(mào)易顯著地影響了中世紀(jì)時期的全球貿(mào)易、文化交往和地緣政治動態(tài)。

Religious and symbolic significance

宗教和象征意義

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.

肉桂在各種各樣的古代文化中都具有宗教和象征意義。它被用在宗教儀式中，成為敬獻(xiàn)給神祇的祭品，象征著虔誠和靈性。

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.

肉桂的香味據(jù)信可以讓祈禱儀式更顯虔誠，營造一種神圣的氛圍。肉桂的稀有和令人感官愉悅的屬性也象征著繁榮和財富，代表了富足與祝福。

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，肉桂與愛、激情和肉欲聯(lián)系起來，使得它被用作催情藥。肉桂的宗教和象征意義使得它在儀式中受到敬奉和使用，成為許多古代文明所珍視和推崇的一種香料。

Cinnamon in Traditional Chinese Medicine

中醫(yī)藥中的肉桂

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.

在中醫(yī)藥里，肉桂（也叫桂枝）數(shù)個世紀(jì)以來一直因具醫(yī)藥價值而被使用。它被認(rèn)為是一種性質(zhì)溫?zé)岬牟菟?，具有活血?qū)寒、補(bǔ)火助陽的功效。肉桂可用于治療手足生寒、月經(jīng)不調(diào)和消化不良等病癥。

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.

它還有助于促進(jìn)心血管健康、消炎和增強(qiáng)免疫系統(tǒng)。肉桂常被列入中藥配方中，以達(dá)到平衡陰陽、強(qiáng)身健體的目的。此外，肉桂甜而辛辣的味道有助于協(xié)調(diào)配方中其他藥材的作用。

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.

肉桂可以以各種形態(tài)使用，包括干樹皮或者研磨粉。它經(jīng)常被加入藥草茶或湯劑中，或者作為草藥治療的一部分外用，按照中醫(yī)藥原理來解決廣泛的健康問題，并維持體內(nèi)的陰陽平衡和協(xié)調(diào)。

Cinnamon in modern art and literature

現(xiàn)代藝術(shù)和文學(xué)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.

在現(xiàn)代藝術(shù)中，肉桂被用作一種獨(dú)特且迷人的媒介，給各種各樣的藝術(shù)創(chuàng)作增添質(zhì)感和香味。有些當(dāng)代藝術(shù)家將肉桂粉或者肉桂棒融入到他們的繪畫、雕塑和混合媒介作品中，給觀眾帶來多種感官體驗(yàn)。這種香料溫暖的泥土芳香能夠喚起懷舊情懷或慰藉的觀感，從而提高藝術(shù)作品的情感沖擊力。

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.

因其文化意義和芳香誘惑，肉桂在文學(xué)作品中被持續(xù)提及。它出現(xiàn)在詩歌、小說和散文中，或象征著異域情調(diào)、奢華和對肉體感官的追求。作家用肉桂來加強(qiáng)他們對地點(diǎn)、人物或美食體驗(yàn)的描述，為讀者創(chuàng)造出栩栩如生的畫面感。

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，肉桂在現(xiàn)代烹飪著作中仍然是一種受歡迎的佐料，在食譜和美食寫作中十分出名。廚師和美食愛好者經(jīng)常探索出創(chuàng)意十足的方式將肉桂用于各種各樣的食物中，從甜點(diǎn)到可口的復(fù)合香料，不一而足，展現(xiàn)出肉桂的多功能性和全球吸引力。

（譯者單位：北京外國語大學(xué)）

1形容詞，派生自梵文名詞Ayurveda（義為“長生之術(shù)”）。阿育吠陀是印度的傳統(tǒng)醫(yī)學(xué)，其醫(yī)療方法主要有三種：藥草療法、推拿療法及瑜珈療法。

2地理大發(fā)現(xiàn)時期（又稱the Age of Discovery）大約從15世紀(jì)持續(xù)到17世紀(jì)。在該時期內(nèi)，歐洲的船隊出現(xiàn)在世界各處的海洋上，尋找新的貿(mào)易路線和貿(mào)易伙伴，以發(fā)展歐洲新生的資本主義。在這些遠(yuǎn)洋探索中，歐洲人發(fā)現(xiàn)了許多當(dāng)時不為人知的國家與地區(qū)，包括美洲。