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The very name of this solar term suggests that this is the hottest time of the year. In many regions of China, temperatures reach 40°C. According to the Chinese solar agricultural calendar, this is the last season of summer. Autumn will come very soon. In the meantime, summer does not want to give up its position, and the scorching rays of the sun threaten to incinerate all living things, the air temperature reaches its maximum.

Xiaoshu 小暑 solar term is the eleventh of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese agricultural calendar and coincides with the first half of the third month of summer, the month of the Goat, which occurs between July 5-7 each year. The Xiaoshu solar term lasts until about July 23-24, when it gives way to the Dashu (Bigger Heat) season.

The first day of this solar term is the summer solstice, that is, the longest day of the year. In the Chinese agricultural calendar, this day is considered the middle of summer, a time of maximum yang strength and yin weakness. From this moment on, Yin Qi begins to grow and the days become shorter. A period of summer heat begins, which will last until the beginning of autumn (August 7-9). Along with the rapid flowering of nature, harmful insects and poisonous creatures come to life, and the scor

This is the most important period of ripening of cereals, when the plants give ears and are ready for reproduction. In many regions of China, harvesting of winter wheat and barley begins. Moreover, this is the optimal time for sowing lowland rice, millet and broomcorn millet. The length of the day increases visibly and gradually approaches its annual maximum. The air temperature is quite high, and in the low and middle basin of the Yangtze river there are “plum rains” (梅雨).