Hey Lykkers, have you ever wondered about the strange sea creatures we sometimes see floating around in seafood markets? Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of sea jellies, also known as Jellies, and the rich history and legends surrounding them.

These translucent creatures are more than just a food delicacy; they carry ancient myths and untold stories. So, let's explore together!

What Are Sea Jellies?

Sea jellies, scientifically classified as a type of 肛肠动物 (a large jellyfish), have been a part of China's food culture for centuries. In fact, China was the first country to develop the use of sea jellies as food. As early as the Western Jin Dynasty, Zhang Hua documented the consumption of sea jellies in his 博物志. Today, we still enjoy this unique seafood, but its origins are tied to fascinating legends that go beyond its taste.

The Legend of the Dragon Princess

One of the most well-known legends about sea jellies involves a tale of love, betrayal, and magical transformations. According to the story, the infamous Buddhist monk Fa Hai, who meddled in the love affair between Bai Niangniang and Xu Xian (from the famous Legend of the White Snake), caused a flood that devastated the kingdom. The Jade Emperor, furious at Fa Hai's interference, ordered his capture. Fa Hai, in his haste to escape, sought refuge inside a crab shell. In the panic, he accidentally lost his monk's hat, which transformed into a floating sea jelly.

The Tragic Story of the Dragon Princess

On the very day that Fa Hai's hat transformed, the Dragon King's daughter fell in love with a mortal fisherman. She secretly left her palace under the cover of night to be with him. However, her father was enraged when he discovered she had run away and sent his army of shrimp soldiers to capture her. In a moment of desperation, the Dragon Princess sought refuge in the floating monk's hat, not knowing that it would trap her forever.

After her capture, the Dragon Princess was never able to escape the hat. People say that if you lift the umbrella-like body of a sea jelly, you might see the face of a young girl, her delicate features still visible beneath the gelatinous surface. The legend suggests that, after her capture, the Dragon Princess gathered poisonous toxins from the sea to use as a weapon against her father one day. This is why sea jellies sting humans—it's said to be the Dragon Princess fulfilling her vow of revenge.

A Heart-Wrenching Love Story

But that's not all. There's another touching tale connected to sea jellies that involves sacrifice and unrequited love. The story goes that a lonely old man living by the sea once found a crying baby on the shore and decided to raise it. The baby was named Haibao, symbolizing a treasure from the sea. As Haibao grew up, he became a skilled fisherman, but one day, he returned from the sea with nothing to show for his efforts. Feeling frustrated, he cast one final net into the ocean, hoping for luck. To his surprise, he caught a small, golden fish that cried two tears.

Haibao decided to release the fish, which turned out to be a magical carp that had lived for five hundred years. The fish transformed into a beautiful girl, and the two fell in love. However, their love was forbidden by the Dragon King, who sought to marry the fish to a high-ranking servant. The girl fled to Haibao's home, but the Dragon King's soldiers soon came for her.

In a desperate attempt to protect her, Haibao used the monk's hat to hide the girl. The Dragon King, enraged by his daughter's escape, used his magical powers to freeze the girl inside the hat. From that day on, the girl's spirit was trapped within the sea jelly, and she remained in the sea, seeking Haibao, whom she would never see again.

Be Careful with Sea Jellies!

While these stories are intriguing, we also need to be careful when handling sea jellies. Although they're delicious when prepared properly, sea jellies are poisonous when fresh. As early as the Ming Dynasty, fishermen learned that fresh sea jellies must be salted and cured with alum to remove toxins before they can be safely consumed.

Unfortunately, many people still fall victim to sea jelly stings. Their tentacles contain venom that can cause painful reactions. If you get stung, don't rinse the wound with fresh water, as it can cause the toxins to spread. Instead, use sand or a cloth to remove the tentacles and rinse the area with a solution of baking soda or alum. If the reaction is severe, seek medical help immediately.

Enjoying Sea Jellies Safely

Now that we know about the mysterious stories behind sea jellies, it's important to treat them with respect when consuming them. Always ensure they're prepared properly to avoid any health risks. But also, next time you enjoy this delicacy, remember the legends that make it so much more than just a dish. It's a piece of history and culture that connects us to a deeper, mythical world.