Significance of Sugar cane
Sugar cane is a significant plant across various cultural and religious contexts, symbolizing sweetness and purity in Hinduism, Jainism, and Vaishnavism. In Hindu rituals, it is involved in sacrifices and offerings. Jainism emphasizes its purity, rejecting decayed forms, while Vaishnavism associates it with nurturing individuals. Additionally, in South Asia, it plays a crucial agricultural role, being a staple crop. Ayurveda views sugar cane as healthful, providing sweeteners and serving specific dietary purposes. Its multifaceted significance reflects diverse beliefs and practices.
Synonyms: Sugarcane, Cane sugar, Saccharum officinarum, Cane
In Spanish: Cana de azucar; In Dutch: Suikerriet; In Finnish: Sokeriruoko
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Sugar cane'
In Buddhism, sugar cane symbolizes the crushing fate of the doomed, serves as a enjoyed resource on the island, produces molasses accepted as food, and is inadequately compared by a young brahmin to a plough's shaft.
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) A resource found on the island which the men enjoyed.[1] (2) A food item the young brahmin encountered, which he compared inadequately to a plough’s shaft.[2]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun’ rules)
(1) A plant from which molasses is produced, recognized as an acceptable food item.[3]
From: Mahavastu (great story)
(1) A metaphor used to describe how the doomed are crushed as the mountains come together.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Sugar cane'
In Hinduism, sugar cane symbolizes nourishment and sweetness in both physical and metaphorical contexts, representing devout individuals' gentle nature and serving key roles in rituals, diet, agriculture, and offerings during important ceremonies.
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A metaphorical reference used to illustrate that while pursuing righteousness, one naturally acquires other rewards like fame and happiness.[5] (2) A type of plant used as food, noted in the offerings that keep forefathers satisfied at Shraddha.[6] (3) A plant that is produced in relation to the type of seeds utilized in cultivation.[7]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) A plant from which sugar is derived, used as an alternative for making rock sugar.[8]
From: Matangalila and Hastyayurveda (study)
(1) A bait used to attract elephants into the trap pen.[9]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 1: Sutrasthana
(1) A plant whose juice is both sweet and heavy, traditionally used to produce various sweeteners with distinct qualities in digestion and health impact.[10]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A plant whose products are offered as sweets, mentioned alongside other offerings.[11]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) Represents the devout individuals with sweet dispositions, symbolizing their gentle and nurturing nature.[12]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A plant from which sugar is derived, also part of the recommended diet.[13]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A plant whose juice may be used as a substitute for gurh in the preparation of Gura-shukta.[14]
From: Harshacharita (socio-cultural Study)
(1) An important crop (ikshu) cultivated during that time, highlighting the agricultural practices of the villagers.[15]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) There are two vidhritis of sugar-cane used in the sacrifice to prevent the mixing up of barhis and prastara.[16]
Jain concept of 'Sugar cane'
In Jainism, sugar cane symbolizes divine power and earthly connection, yet is considered impure for ascetics. Additionally, it is regarded as sweet, but its acceptability diminishes with signs of decay.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A type of food item that is deemed impure and unacceptable for ascetic consumption.[17] (2) A sweet plant that becomes unacceptable if it shows signs of decay or degradation.[18]
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) An item taken by the Master, symbolizing his divine power and connection to the earth.[19]
The concept of Sugar cane in local and regional sources
Sugar cane is a vital crop in Punacha, illustrating local agriculture devoid of grapes, central to conflicts and competition among characters, and essential for sugar production in Gandhara, also featured in royal meals attracting wildlife.
From: Buddhist records of the Western world (Xuanzang)
(1) A type of crop that flourishes in Punacha, highlighting agricultural practices in the region; notable because no grapes are grown there.[20] (2) A plant abundant in the kingdom of Gandhara, from which the local population prepares solid sugar.[21]
From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3
(1) The food item that the King and Queen are eating, which attracts the male Red Ant and his wife.[22]
From: The travels of Fa-Hian (400 A.D.)
(1) Sugar-cane is one of the plants that may be found in the region, alongside bamboos.[23]
From: Folklore of the Santal Parganas
(1) A type of crop that both the barber and Koeri plant, serving as a focal point for their competition.[24] (2) A crop that Ujar mistakenly destroys, representing the consequences of misunderstandings.[25]
The concept of Sugar cane in scientific sources
Sugar cane is categorized as a Madhura ahara, a sweet substance beneficial in moderation, but excessive consumption can lead to health issues like diabetes, highlighting the importance of balance in dietary choices.
From: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
(1) A sweet substance that is categorically classified as Madhura ahara, which may contribute to diabetes if consumed excessively.[26]