How to use the old weighing rod? Explore the wisdom of traditional weighing instruments
In the digital age, electronic scales have become mainstream, but old-fashioned weighing poles (also known as "steel scales"), as representatives of traditional weighing instruments, still carry unique cultural and technical values. In recent years, the rise of retro trends and nostalgia has brought such traditional tools back into the public eye. This article will combine the hot topics on the Internet in the past 10 days to analyze the principles, usage and cultural significance of weighing poles, and attach a comparison of structured data.
1. Structure and principle of weighing rod
The old-fashioned weighing beam consists of three parts: the scale beam, the scale weight, and the scale pan (or scale hook). It uses the lever balance principle to measure weight. The scales on the scale beam are called "scale stars", which are said to represent the standardization of weights and measures in ancient times, and even contain the meaning of the Big Dipper. Here's how it compares to modern electronic scales:
| type | principle | Accuracy | Usage scenarios |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old weighing rod | leverage balance | Moderate (relies on manual readings) | Traditional markets and folk activities |
| Modern electronic scale | Sensor digitization | High (displayed automatically) | Supermarkets, laboratories, etc. |
2. How to use the weighing rod
1.Calibration zero point: When the scale is empty, adjust the position of the scale weight to make the scale beam horizontal.
2.place items: Put the items to be weighed into the weighing pan or hang them on the scale hook.
3.Mobile weights: Slide the scale weight until the scale rod is balanced. At this time, the corresponding scale of the scale weight is the weight.
4.reading: It needs to be calculated based on the big star (jin) and the small star (two) on the scale beam.
Recently on social platforms, many netizens have shared their experience using weighing poles, and the topic#TRADITIONAL CRAFT CHALLENGE#The relevant video below has been viewed more than 5 million times, and the creative content of "weighing a cup of milk tea with a weighing pole" has aroused heated discussion.
3. The cultural significance and current situation of pole weighing
The weighing pole is not only a tool, but also a symbol of "fairness and justice". For example:
-Folklore meaning: In weddings in some areas, the weighing pole is used to raise the bride's hijab, which means "everything goes as you wish".
-Protection of intangible cultural heritage: Data from 2023 show that there are less than 20 intangible inheritors of steelyard making skills in China, and related skills are on the verge of being lost.
| area | Weighing pole alias | special purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Jiangsu and Zhejiang | 戥子 | Weighing medicinal materials |
| Southern Fujian | centimeters | Jewelry measurement |
4. Hotly discussed on the Internet: The collision of tradition and technology
In the past 10 days, discussions about pole weighing have focused on two major directions:
1.Practical value: Due to power restrictions, remote areas still rely on weighing poles;
2.cultural symbols: Designers integrated scale star elements into cultural and creative products, such as necklaces, bookmarks, etc., and sales of related products on the e-commerce platform increased by 30% monthly.
Some experts have called for the protection of traditional weighing instruments to start with education, such as adding the practice of lever principles to primary school science classes. Netizens also initiated#我家老物#During the event, he posted photos of his ancestral pole, and the number of views on the topic exceeded 200 million.
Conclusion
The wisdom of the old-fashioned weighing rod reflects the ancients' simple understanding of physics, and its cultural connotation goes far beyond the tool itself. In today's pursuit of efficiency, re-examining these "outdated" technologies may provide us with another way of thinking about our philosophy of life.
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