【Koyomi】 July 25, 2024
I hate mosquitoes. Every summer, mosquito coils and liquid vaporizers are essential items.
私は蚊が大嫌いです。毎年蚊取り線香とベープリキッドは夏の必需品です。
Various Things About the Seasons｜Mosquito Coils
季節のあれこれ｜蚊取り線香
The Historical Roots of Mosquito Repellents
Mosquito repellents have a long history, dating back over 2000 years. In ancient Egypt, during Cleopatra's time, mosquito nets were used to keep these pesky insects at bay. In Japan, during the Nara period, people burned mugwort leaves and kaya wood to produce thick smoke, known as "kayaribi," to repel mosquitoes. Later on, mosquito nets became more common.
蚊よけの歴史は2000年以上も前に遡ります。古代エジプト、クレオパトラの時代には、蚊帳が使われていました。日本では奈良時代に、よもぎの葉やカヤの木を火にくべて大量の煙を出す「蚊遣り火」が虫よけとして使われ、その後、蚊帳も普及しました。
The Invention of the Modern Mosquito Coil
In 1886, pyrethrum was introduced to Japan from America, and by 1890, stick-type mosquito coils were developed. These sticks were thin and burned out in about 40 minutes, and they were prone to breaking during transport. In 1895, the spiral-shaped mosquito coil was invented by Eiichiro Ueyama's wife, Yuki. This design allowed the coil to burn for about seven hours, making it much more effective.
1886年、アメリカから除虫菊が日本に伝わり、1890年には棒状の蚊取り線香が開発されました。しかし、これらの棒は細く、約40分で燃え尽きてしまい、輸送中に折れやすいという欠点がありました。1895年、上山英一郎の夫人、ゆきの発案で渦巻型の蚊取り線香が発明されました。このデザインにより、線香は約7時間燃え続け、非常に効果的になりました。
The Enduring Legacy of the Spiral Mosquito Coil
The spiral mosquito coil has been a staple in homes for over 120 years. When straightened, the coil measures about 75 cm and burns for approximately seven hours, matching the average sleep duration. Initially, the coils were hand-rolled, but now they are machine-punched. The iconic pig-shaped incense burner, inspired by the wild boar revered as a fire-preventing deity in Edo-period Japan, is still in use today. This product's enduring popularity ensures it will remain a household essential for years to come.
渦巻型の蚊取り線香は、120年以上にわたり家庭で定番となっています。まっすぐに伸ばすと約75cmになり、約7時間燃え続け、平均的な睡眠時間に合致します。最初は手で巻かれていましたが、現在は機械で打ち抜かれています。江戸時代に火伏せの神として崇められたイノシシに似た形の豚型の蚊取り線香入れも今日まで使用されています。この製品の根強い人気は、今後も家庭の必需品であり続けることでしょう。