Leather boots grass

Leather boots grass

　　Leather boots grass

　　The grass stuffed inside leather boots is not actually a single type of grass; the variety differs by region and usage habits. Common types include tussock grass, deer beard grass, and others, some growing in marshlands and others in mountain forests. There are also those who use finely shredded corn husks as a substitute. The common characteristics of leather boots grass are its slender stems and leaves, which become soft and highly resilient after drying. Tussock grass from the Changbai Mountain area is relatively common. Grass cut during the second dog days is called “green root,” while that cut after the first frost is called “red root.” After cutting, it is bundled into small sheaves, dried on poles or ropes, and then stored for later use. When wearing the boots, first pad the cloth shaft properly, then use a wooden stick to soften the grass, shake it out, and place it crisscrossed at the opening of the boot. Use your hands to shape it into a nest that is slightly thicker around the toes and heel. After inserting your foot, pull out any excess long grass, tuck the shaft over the top of the foot, and secure it. Then tie the straps in a crisscross pattern and fasten tightly. When removing the boots, take out the grass and dry it on the stove or kang bed for reuse next time.

　　Originally, leather boots were a type of “unlined shoe,” but with the addition of leather boots grass stuffed inside, they became warmer than even typical “cotton-lined leather shoes.” They keep feet from freezing, are breathable and sweat-absorbing, lightweight and flexible, as well as durable. In the cold seasons of the Northeast in the past, anyone who frequently worked outdoors—whether cart drivers, hunters, merchants, soldiers, or officials—considered them essential gear for traveling through ice and snow. As a poem about the “Three Treasures of the Northeast” goes: “Ginseng brings longevity to the rich, but the poor cannot afford it. Sables bring glory to the noble, but the humble dare not wear them. Only this bundle of grass allows both rich and poor to stay warm.” Northeastern folk literature also contains many legends about leather boots grass, associating it with national heroes, kind fairies, and chivalrous warriors to express people’s fondness and admiration.