Exploring Chinese Culture in English: The 24 Solar Terms

The 24 Solar Terms, an ancient agricultural calendar system, is a masterpiece of Chinese wisdom that integratesastronomy, climate, and farming practices. Developed over millennia, this system divides the sun’s annual path into 24 equal segments, each marking a unique transition in seasons, weather, and natural phenomena. Let’s embark on a journey through each term, uncovering their meanings and cultural significance.

1. Lichun (立春) — Start of Spring

Lichunkicks off the lunar year, symbolizing the earth’s revival. Farmers prepare for sowing, as the climate warms and ice thaws. A traditional saying goes, “立春一日，百草回芽” ("On the day of Lichun, all grasses sprout anew"), celebrating the return of vitality.

2. Yushui (雨水) — Rain Water

During Yushui, rainfall increases, nourishing crops and prompting early spring planting. The term reflects the Chinese philosophy of "harmonizing with nature", as people adapt to the wet season for agricultural activities.

3. Jingzhe (惊蛰) — Insects Awaken

Jingzhesignals the end of hibernation. Thunderstorms break the winter silence, “awakening” insects and kicking off spring plowing. A proverb says, “惊蛰春雷响，农夫闲转忙” ("Thunder in Jingzhe sets farmers from leisure to labor"), highlighting the urgency of the season.

4. Chunfen (春分) — Spring Equinox

At Chunfen, day and night are nearly equal. This term highlights balance in nature, as farmers plant crops like cotton and wheat. Culturally, it’s a time for egg - balancing rituals, symbolizingharmony between heaven and earth.

5. Qingming (清明) — Pure Brightness

Qingming combines natural freshness with cultural rituals. People visit graves to honor ancestors while enjoying outings to appreciate blooming flowers. The poet Du Mu’s line, “清明时节雨纷纷” ("Rain falls gently on Qingming"), captures its melancholic yet serene atmosphere.

6. Guyu (谷雨) — Grain Rain

Guyusignifiesabundant rainfall that nurtures grain crops. It’s a critical period for planting rice and tea picking. Traditional beliefs link this term to the myth of Cangjie, who invented Chinese characters, as “谷雨祭仓颉” ("Guyu honors the inventor of writing").

7. Lixia (立夏) — Start of Summer

Lixiamarks the onset of summer. Ancient rituals included weighing people to monitor health, while farmers focused on tending young plants. The saying, “立夏看夏” ("Judge the summer by Lixia"), reflects hopes for a bountiful harvest.

8. Xiaoman (小满) — Grain Buds

Xiaomanindicates that summer crops are nearly ripe but not fully mature, embodying the Chinese philosophy of "modesty and sufficiency". It’s a time for irrigating rice fields and preventing floods.

9. Mangzhong (芒种) — Grain in Ear

Mangzhong combines “busy” (芒) and “seed” (种), urging farmers to harvest wheat and plant rice swiftly. This term epitomizes the hustle of seasonal labor, as “芒种不种，再种无用” ("Miss Mangzhong, miss the season").

10. Xiazhi (夏至) — Summer Solstice

Xiazhi is the longest day of the year, symbolizingyang energy at its peak. People eat noodles to celebrate, as “冬至饺子夏至面” ("Dumplings for Winter Solstice, noodles for Summer Solstice"). Farmers prepare for the rainy season ahead.

11. Xiaoshu (小暑) — Minor Heat

Xiaoshuushers in hot weather, with crops thriving in the warmth. It’s a time for preserving food, such as pickling vegetables, and avoiding heatstroke. The proverb, “小暑大暑，上蒸下煮” ("Minor and Major Heat: steaming above, boiling below"), describes the sweltering climate.

12. Dashu (大暑) — Major Heat

Dashu is the hottest solar term, ideal for growing heat - loving crops like lotus and mung beans. Traditionally, people drink herbal teas to cool off and visit temples to pray for relief from the heat.

13. Liqiu (立秋) — Start of Autumn

Liqiuannounces the arrival of autumn, though summer heat lingers. Farmers celebrate the “立秋节” (Liqiu Festival) with rituals like “贴秋膘” ("adding autumn fat")—eating meat to regain strength after summer labor.

14. Chushu (处暑) — End of Heat

Chushusignifies the departure of summer heat, bringing cooler mornings and evenings. It’s a prime time for harvesting corn and pears, with the saying, “处暑满地黄，家家修廪仓” ("Yellow fields at Chushu, families mend granaries").

15. Bailu (白露) — White Dew

Bailu brings cool mornings with white dew on grass and trees. People drink white tea and eat sweet potatoes, as “白露秋分夜，一夜冷一夜” ("Nights grow colder from Bailu to Autumn Equinox").

16. Qiufen (秋分) — Autumn Equinox

Like Chunfen, Qiufenbalances day and night. It’s a harvest festival for rice and cotton, with families gathering to “祭月” ("worship the moon"). The custom of “竖蛋” ("standing eggs upright") continues, symbolizingequilibrium.

17. Hanlu (寒露) — Cold Dew

Hanlu brings colder temperatures, with dew turning icy. Farmers harvest late crops and plant winter wheat. Traditional diets shift to warm foods like sesame and chrysanthemum tea to resist the chill.

18. Shuangjiang (霜降) — Frost’s Descent

Shuangjiangmarks the first frost, signaling the end of autumn. People pick persimmons for health benefits, as “霜降吃柿子，不会流鼻涕” ("Eating persimmons on Shuangjiang keeps colds away"). Farmers prepare livestock for winter.

19. Lidong (立冬) — Start of Winter

Lidongbegins winter, with households storing cabbage and radishes. The “立冬补冬” ("nourish the body in Lidong") tradition encourages eating warm dishes like lamb hotpot to boost immunity.

20. Xiaoxue (小雪) — Minor Snow

Xiaoxue sees light snowfall, ideal for making preserved meat. The saying, “小雪腌菜，大雪腌肉” ("Pickle vegetables in Xiaoxue, preserve meat in Daxue"), reflects seasonal food preparation.

21. Daxue (大雪) — Major Snow

Daxue brings heavy snow, creating a winter wonderland. People stay indoors to “烤火” ("roast by the fire") and enjoy chestnut porridge. Fishermen ice - fish, relying on age - old wisdom to navigate the cold.

22. Dongzhi (冬至) — Winter Solstice

Dongzhi is the shortest day of the year, marking the peak of yin energy. Families reunite to eat dumplings and tangyuan, as “冬至不端饺子碗，冻掉耳朵没人管” ("No dumplings on Dongzhi? Risk frozen ears!"). It symbolizes the return of longer days.

23. Xiaohan (小寒) — Minor Cold

Xiaohan is the second - coldest term, with icy winds and low temperatures. People exercise to stay warm, and traditional recipes emphasize nutritious ingredients to combat the harshness of winter.

24. Dahan (大寒) — Major Cold

Dahan is the coldest period, coinciding with Lunar New Year preparations. Families clean houses, make traditional snacks, and welcome spring with optimism. “大寒到顶点，日后天渐暖” ("Dahan is the peak of cold—warmth follows soon") embodies hope for renewal.