I saw the weeping willows on the roadside. From a distance, they were full of light green. From a closer look, the long drooping willow branches had green buds sprouting out. I can't help but think of the past when I was a "willow whistle" when I was a child.
It is usually the day before Qingming Festival, when people will break some willow branches and pine branches to be used in the morning of Qingming Festival. Early in the morning of Qingming Festival, as a custom in my hometown, each household will insert a few willow branches and a few pine branches under the eaves above the door of each house.
When I was a child, I didn’t understand the meaning of inserting willow pine branches. I only knew that it was a ritual. Later, after I went to school, every year during Qingming Festival, the teacher would tell me about the origin of Qingming Festival, and I realized that the willow branches and pine branches were planted to commemorate Jie Zizhui.
My memory of the Qingming Festival at that time was profound, playing "Willow Whistle". During the Qingming Festival, not only willow ears grow up on the willow branches, but also small young leaves grow out. At this time, according to experienced older children who play together, the willow branches are "separated from the bones", which is suitable for making whistles.
Li Gu actually means that the bark of the willow branches and the wood of the branches are easy to separate.
To make a willow whistle, you usually choose a willow branch about half a centimeter long and take a straight section without side branches. Gently rub the bark of the willow branch starting from one section and slowly moving to the other section to separate the bark from the woody branches inside. Pull out the wooden branches, leaving an elongated tube made of bark.
Cut one end of the long tube neatly, and then remove about half a centimeter of the outer skin at this end, leaving a thin section at this end, and the willow whistle is made. Put it in your mouth and blow it, and it will make a "squeaking" sound.
Those with dexterity will use thicker branches to make the whistle, and the whistle will make a rich sound of "woo, woo".
It seems that willow branches are easy to make whistles because they are "separated from the bone", while other branches are not easy to make whistles. So I had a soft spot for willow trees when I was a kid.
Children at that time did not have as rich and diverse toys as they do now, so they all made their own toys using local materials. "Willow Whistle" is a very creative and easy-to-make toy. Willow Whistle has become an important mark in my childhood.
Times have changed, and now almost no one does "Willow Whistle". But every early spring, when I see the willow branches turning green and sprouting new buds, I can’t help but think of the past of making willow whistles when I was a child.
Time flies, and many things from my childhood have been forgotten, but Willow Whistle will always remain in my memory. I never have to think of it, and I will never forget it.