The 24 Solar Terms of China

Overview

The 24 Solar Terms, a unique system in traditional Chinese culture, divide the year into 24 distinct periods based on the sun's apparent motion along the ecliptic and changes in weather and climate. These solar terms have been guiding agricultural activities, shaping folk customs, and influencing daily life in China for thousands of years. They not only reflect the wisdom of the ancient Chinese people in observing and adapting to the natural world but also serve as a bridge connecting past and present, preserving cultural heritage and promoting harmony between humans and nature.

Origin

The concept of the 24 Solar Terms originated from ancient China's observation of celestial phenomena and natural cycles. Based on the movement of the sun along the ecliptic and the changes in the earth's axial tilt relative to the sun, the ancient Chinese astronomers divided the year into 24 equal parts, each marking a specific moment or phase of natural phenomena. These solar terms were initially determined by observing the movements of the stars, especially the北斗七星 (Big Dipper), and later refined through astronomical measurements and agricultural practices.

The 24 Solar Terms with Customs

1. Spring Begins (Lichun)

  • Date: Around February 3-5
  • Customs: Celebrating the beginning of spring with outdoor activities, eating spring pancakes (chunjuan), and biting the spring (yaochun).
    Spring Begins (Lichun)

2. Rain Water (Yushui)

  • Date: Around February 18-20
  • Customs: Marking the increase in rainfall with rituals honoring the dragon and the start of farming activities.
    Rain Water (Yushui)

3. Awakening of Insects (Jingzhe)

  • Date: Around March 5-7
  • Customs: Celebrating the awakening of hibernating insects with rituals to drive away evil spirits and pests.
    Awakening of Insects (Jingzhe)

4. Spring Equinox (Chunfen)

  • Date: Around March 20-21
  • Customs: Celebrating the equal length of day and night with outdoor excursions and planting activities.
    Spring Equinox (Chunfen)

5. Clear and Bright (Qingming)

  • Date: Around April 4-6
  • Customs: A major festival for tomb-sweeping and ancestor worship, accompanied by outdoor activities like kite-flying.

6. Grain Rain (Guyu)

  • Date: Around April 19-21
  • Customs: Marking the end of spring planting with rituals for blessings and the consumption of tea and porridge.

7. Beginning of Summer (Lixia)

  • Date: Around May 5-7
  • Customs: Celebrating the beginning of summer with traditions like weighing people and eating eggs.

8. Grain Buds (Xiaoman)

  • Date: Around May 20-22
  • Customs: Celebrating the growth of crops with the tasting of new grain and the making of fragrant sachets.

9. Grain in Ear (Mangzhong)

  • Date: Around June 5-7
  • Customs: Marking the beginning of summer sowing with dragon boat races and the eating of zongzi.

10. Summer Solstice (Xiazhi)

  • Date: Around June 21-22
  • Customs: Celebrating the longest day of the year with the drying of books and clothes and the consumption of noodles.

11. Slight Heat (Xiaoshu)

  • Date: Around July 6-8
  • Customs: Marking the initial arrival of heat with practices for heatstroke prevention and the drying of ginger and garlic.

12. Great Heat (Dahu)

  • Date: Around July 22-24
  • Customs: Celebrating the hottest period of the year with the consumption of watermelon and other cooling foods.

13. Beginning of Autumn (Liqiu)

  • Date: Around August 7-9
  • Customs: Celebrating the beginning of autumn with traditions like eating okra and having a special autumn meal.

14. End of Heat (Chushu)

  • Date: Around August 22-24
  • Customs: Marking the end of heat with the drying of clothing and the preparation of autumn clothing.

15. White Dew (Bailu)

  • Date: Around September 7-9
  • Customs: Celebrating the formation of dew with the drinking of Bailu tea and the application of Bailu patches.

16. Autumn Equinox (Qiufen)

  • Date: Around September 22-24
  • Customs: Celebrating the equal length of day and night with ancestor worship and the consumption of autumn fruits.

17. Cold Dew (Hanlu)

  • Date: Around October 8-9
  • Customs: Marking the decrease in temperature with the drinking of chrysanthemum wine and the appreciation of chrysanthemums.

18. Frost's Descent (Shuangjiang)

  • Date: Around October 23-24
  • Customs: Celebrating the arrival of frost with the eating of persimmons and preparations for winter.

19. Beginning of Winter (Lidong)

  • Date: Around November 7-8
  • Customs: Celebrating the beginning of winter with traditions like winter nourishment and the pasting of window flowers.

20. Light Snow (Xiaoxue)

  • Date: Around November 22-23
  • Customs: Marking the first snowfall with the eating of dumplings and the making of pickled vegetables.

21. Heavy Snow (Daxue)

  • Date: Around December 6-8
  • Customs: Celebrating the increase in snowfall with activities like skiing and winter swimming.

22. Winter Solstice (Dongzhi)

  • Date: Around December 21-23
  • Customs: Celebrating the shortest day of the year with the eating of dumplings, ancestor worship, and the posting of couplets.

23. Slight Cold (Xiaohan)

  • Date: Around January 5-7
  • Customs: Marking the beginning of cold weather with the posting of Spring Festival couplets and preparations for the new year.

24. Great Cold (Dahan)

  • Date: Around January 20-21
  • Customs: Celebrating the coldest period of the year with activities like winter swimming and the tasting of preserved meat.

These solar terms, each with its unique customs and practices, not only reflect the wisdom and ingenuity of the ancient Chinese people in observing and adapting to the natural world but also serve as a rich cultural heritage that connects past and present.