When visiting Dai Ming Lake, you will definitely hear a curious saying: “Snakes do not appear, frogs do not croak.”
Dai Ming Lake in Jinan (China) is famous for the saying “Lotus blooms in the summer rain at Dai Ming Lake” (approximate translation).
From a distance, Dai Ming Lake resembles an ink wash painting.
The scenery here has been meticulously restored. Birds fly and fish jump on the lake, while lotus flowers bloom abundantly across the water’s surface. Pavilions and towers sit beside the turquoise water. Viewed from afar, Dai Ming Lake resembles a traditional ink wash painting interspersed with vibrant natural greenery.
Dai Ming Lake is beautiful in all four seasons. In spring, gentle warm breezes create ripples on the lake’s surface. Willows grow by the shore, swaying with the wind, their branches dipping into the water. In summer, the lotus flowers bloom brilliantly, captivating all who see them. As winter arrives, the lake freezes over, shimmering like a silver mirror, draped in a dreamy white snow blanket.
When you visit Dai Ming Lake, you will certainly encounter the peculiar saying: “Snakes do not appear, frogs do not croak.” Locals humorously claim that the frogs here are “mute,” unable to croak like those in other regions. This has piqued the curiosity of visitors to Dai Ming Lake. But rest assured, the scenic area is home to wise “elders” who are ready to share the stories behind this famous saying.
Stone frog statue by Dai Ming Lake.
Is it really true that frogs at Dai Ming Lake cannot croak? Why is that? In fact, there are three hypotheses that explain this strange phenomenon:
1. Fear of the Imperial Decree
According to legend, during the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong visited Jinan and rested at Dai Ming Lake. Due to the presence of the “Son of Heaven” (the Emperor), “frogs in the lake croaked in unison, and snakes gathered around the lake.” They appeared to witness the face of the Emperor. It is also possible that Qianlong’s visit disturbed the natural habitat of the frogs and snakes, leading to this phenomenon.
The temperature here is stable throughout the four seasons.
However, witnessing such a scene during his visit must have terrified Qianlong. Consequently, he issued an imperial decree stating, “Snakes return to their dens, frogs do not croak.” Since then, snakes have not been seen slithering, and the croaking of frogs has not been heard at Dai Ming Lake.
However, this is just a legend. From a scientific perspective, the idea that animals would obey human decrees is quite far-fetched.
2. Unsuitable Environment
Dai Ming Lake is formed by flowing springs, thus maintaining a stable temperature throughout the four seasons.
It is known that frogs croak most vigorously during the breeding season. The temperature conditions of the lake are not suitable for frogs to call for mates or lay eggs.
Some argue that frogs may leave Dai Ming Lake during the breeding season to seek a more suitable habitat for living and breeding.
Dai Ming Lake is beautiful in all four seasons.
3. Behavioral Habits
In addition to environmental factors mentioned above, another reason is related to the behavioral habits of frogs.
Typically, frogs that croak prefer shallow waters with reeds. While Dai Ming Lake does have reeds, it is still a deep water lake, which is not conducive for frogs to croak according to their habits.
All three hypotheses are merely rumors passed down by locals regarding the phenomenon of frogs at Dai Ming Lake never croaking and lack scientific evidence.
