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As the beginning of the spring brings us the long-awaited warmth, let's learn about the traditional Chinese calendar system known as the 24 Solar Terms.
2024年二十四节气
The 24 Solar Terms, or 二十四节气 (èr shí sì jié qì), is a traditional Chinese calendar system that divides the year into 24 periods, each lasting about two weeks.
The system captures the essence of each season, marking the changes in the natural world. These terms, based on the sun's position in the zodiac, were created by farmers in ancient China and have guided agricultural practices, culinary traditions, and daily life for generations.
二十四节气
Seasons 
Let's take a closer look into each of the 24 solar terms.
01. Lichun or Beginning of Spring Feb 04, 1st of the 24 solar terms 立春 Lichun (立春 Lì chūn) marks the beginning of spring. Although spring is still cold at this time, the daylight hours gradually begin to lengthen. TRADITIONS On the first day of Lichun, there's a tradition known as "biting spring" (咬春 yǎo chūn). People celebrate by eating 春饼 (chūn bǐng) - spring pancakes filled with vegetables and meat. They also enjoy other seasonal foods like five-spice dishes and radishes.
02. Yushui or Rain Water Feb 19, 2nd of the 24 solar terms 雨水 You probably noticed the rainy weather in February, didn't you? As the Rain Water (雨水 Yǔshuǐ) arrives, temperatures begin to rise, and rainfall becomes more frequent.
03. Jingzhe or Awakening of Insects Mar 5, 3th of the 24 solar terms 惊蛰 惊蛰 (Jīng zhé), Awakening of Insects is the time when hibernating insects begin to awaken as spring approaches. TRADITIONS In terms of TCM, the Insects Wake is seen as a time to focus on taking care of health by eating pears. During this season, the temperature changes frequently, and the climate is relatively dry, which can lead to dry mouth and coughing. Eating pears can help support the body during this period.
04. Chunfen or Spring Equinox Mar 20, 4th of the 24 solar terms 春分 The Spring Equinox, or 春分 (Chūn fēn) marks the midpoint of the spring season. During the Spring Equinox, the day and night are approximately equal in length. With the weather warming up, it's the perfect time for outdoor activities. In China, one popular tradition during this season is flying kites.
05. Qingming or Clear and Bright Apr 4, 5th of the 24 solar terms 清明 During this term it is clear and bright, and the weather becomes noticeably warmer. The season marks a traditional Chinese festival called 清明节 (Qīng míng Jié), or Tomb Sweeping Day. It is a time to pay respects to ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning the tombstones, and making offerings of food and other items.
06. Guyu or Grain Rain Apr 19, 6th of the 24 solar terms 谷雨 谷雨 (Gǔ yǔ), or Grain Rain, marks the end of the spring rainy season, and it is an important time for agriculture, which signifies the time when crops such as barley and wheat start to ripen. Farmers begin to prepare their fields for the upcoming harvest, and the weather becomes more stable, with less rain and more sunshine.
07. Lixia or Start of Summer May 5, 7th of the 24 solar terms 立夏 As the spring is ready to end, people welcome the first solar term in summer, 立夏 (Lì xià). The term consists of two Chinese characters: 立 (lì), meaning "establish" or "begin," and 夏 (xià), meaning "summer". TRADITIONS Certain foods are traditionally eaten during specific solar terms, and one of the traditions during Lixia also relates to food. People would cook "seven-family porridge", or 七家粥 (qī jiā zhōu). Traditionally, they would ask for rice from their neighbors, cook it with multicolored beans and brown sugar, and share with family, friends, and neighbors.
08. Xiaoman or Grain Buds May 20, 8th of the 24 solar terms 小满 The term 小满 (Xiǎo mǎn) reflects the idea that grains are beginning to fill but are not yet fully ripe. The increased rainfall fills rivers, making The Lesser Full Grain a perfect time for enjoying fresh fish.
09. Mangzhong or Grain in Ear June 5, 9th of the 24 solar terms 芒种 Mangzhong, or Grain in Ear, is the 9th of the 24 Solar Terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. It usually falls around June 5th each year and marks the time when crops start to grow grains. TRADITIONS In TCM, Mangzhong is time to focus on nourishing the heart and calming the mind. People may consume foods that are light and easy to digest, such as vegetables and fruits, to support their bodies during this period.
10. Xiazhi or Summer Solstice June 21, 10th of the 24 solar terms 夏至 Xiazhi marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. After Xiazhi, the days begin to shorten, and the nights gradually become longer. TRADITIONS In much of China, it is traditional to eat noodles on the Summer Solstice. As the popular saying goes: 冬至饺子夏至面。
11. Xiaoshu or Minor Heat July 6, 11th of the 24 solar terms 小暑 小暑 (Xiǎo shǔ), Minor Heat marks the period of time when the weather becomes noticeably hotter. NOTE It is important take precautions against the heat of summer and to take care of health: stay hydrated, seek shade, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
12. Dashu or Major Heat July 22, 12th of the 24 solar terms 大暑 During Dashu, temperatures are at their peak. It is the time of year when the duration of the sunshine is the longest, the rainfall is the greatest, and the thunderstorms are the most frequent. NOTE The Great Heat is a time to be mindful of the heat and take steps to protect one's health. Let's look at some traditional and creative ways to stay cool during this period.
13. Liqiu or Start of Autumn Aug 7, 13th of the 24 solar terms 立秋 立秋 (Lìqiū) marks the transition from summer to autumn. During Liqiu, the weather begins to cool down, and the days start to shorten. TRADITIONS In recent years, a charming tradition is becoming popular among young people, especially in urban areas: drinking milk tea on the first day of autumn. People marking the start of autumn with a cup of milk tea saying: 秋天的第一杯奶茶。
14. Chushu or End of Heat Aug 22, 14th of the 24 solar terms 处暑 处暑 (Chǔ shǔ) brings the end of the summer heat with it and the temperature starts to cool down for autumn. TRADITIONS The tradition of eating duck during the End of Heat period remains popular today. Duck is favored for its naturally sweet flavor and, according to TCM, its ability to stop the heat.
15. Bailu or White Dew Sep 7, 15th of the 24 solar terms 白露 The true arrival of autumn is marked by 白露 (Bái lù). As temperatures cool, moisture in the air turns into dew on grass and trees during night. During this season, Chinese people celebrate The Mid-Autumn Festival and have family reunions with a feast featuring delicate foods.
16. Qiufen or Autumn Equinox Sep 22, 16th of the 24 solar terms 秋分 The Autumn Equinox usually falls around September 22nd, marking the midpoint of autumn. During 秋分 (Qiūfēn), the weather becomes cooler, and the leaves start to change color, painting the landscapes with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow.
17. Hanlu or Cold Dew Oct 8, 17th of the 24 solar terms 寒露 The Cold Dew marking the time when the temperature drops and people focus is on preparing for the colder months ahead and switch from lighter summer clothing to warmer autumn attire. TRADITIONS One important date that may fall within the span of 寒露 (Hán lù) is the Double Ninth Festival, or 重阳节 (Chóng yáng Jié). On this day, people celebrate the health of the elder members in their family and pay respects to their ancestors. According to TCM, the air tends to be cleaner and pollution lower around this time. So, hiking in the nearby mountains is a great way to enjoy the Cold Dew period.
18. Shuangjiang or Frost's Descent Oct 23, 18th of the 24 solar terms 霜降 Shuangjiang is considered the last chapter of the autumn, as it brings the frost and freezing wind. One traditional custom during Frost's Descent is to eat persimmon, which is not only delicious, but also helps strengthen the body for the colder weather.
19. Lidong or Start of Winter Nov 7, 19th of the 24 solar terms 立冬 Start of Winter, or Lì dōng (立冬) usually falls around November 7th, marking the beginning of the winter season. In this article, we share a few tips on staying cozy as winter takes hold:
20. Xiaoxue or Minor Snow Nov 22, 20th of the 24 solar terms 小雪 The Minor Snow usually falls around November 22nd, and its time when the weather becomes even colder, and the first snowfalls begin to appear in northern China. TRADITIONS Customs during the Minor Snow period include pickling salted vegetables like sauerkraut and potherb mustard. As the saying goes: 小雪腌菜，大雪腌肉。
21. Daxue or Major Snow Dec 6, 21st of the 24 solar terms 大雪 Major Snow, known as 大雪 (Dà xuě) is the third solar term of winter. During this time, the temperature drops day by day as the year draws to a close. Similar to the previous solar term Xiaoxue (Light Snow), Major Snow is also a good time to make preserved meat like pork, chicken, duck, fish.
22. Dongzhi or Winter Solstice Dec 21, 22nd of the 24 solar terms 冬至 The Winter Solstice, or 冬至 (Dōng zhì) marks the shortest day of the year and the longest night. TRADITIONS. Traditions during Dongzhi are also related to food. In the northern regions, people have a tradition of eating dumplings (饺子 jiǎo zi), while in the south, there is a tradition of eating tangyuan (汤圆 tāng yuán) - glutinous sweet rice balls typically filled with fillings such as red bean paste or sesame paste.
23. Xiaohan or Minor Cold Jan 5, 23rd of the 24 solar terms 小寒 Xiaohan marks the beginning of the coldest days of the year for most areas of China. TEACHERS RECOMMEND Soaking feet in warm water during winter can be helpful. Not only does it help to warm up cold feet, but it can also improve circulation and relieve tension. This simple practice can be a comforting way to take care of your health during the colder months.
24. Dahan or Major Cold Jan 20, 24th of the 24 solar terms 大寒
TRADITIONS Dahan typically falls around January 20th, close to the Spring Festival, and the festive atmosphere grows stronger. People start preparing for the Chinese New Year by cleaning, making preserved meats, and getting ready for the festivities, as the most important festival for Chinese people is approaching.
来源：That's Mandarin |
