Yushui Solar Term — Rain Water

The cold weather gradually retreats, the spring warmth leads to melting of snow, humidity of air increases, the sun's rays become warmer, and rains pour onto the awakening earth.

The Yushui Solar Term (雨水, Usui, Usu, Vu thuy/ Rain Water) in the Chinese calendar begins from February 18th to 20th and coincides with the second half of the Tiger month. It is one of the four lesser seasons signifying the onset of precipitation, characterized by damp weather. The Rain Water Solar term is the second among the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar, ending around March 5th, giving way to the Awakening of Insects solar term (Jingzhe).

CLIMATE

With the onset of the second lesser solar term of the Chinese agricultural calendar, gradually retreats, the spring warmth leads to melting of snow, humidity of air increases, the sun's rays become warmer. Rains pour onto the awakening earth, and the amount of precipitation increases.

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The onset of the Yushui season signifies not only an increase in precipitation but also a rise in temperature. Before the start of the Yushui season, cold weather prevails, and after its onset, people truly feel the return of spring to the earth. Yang energy increases, the first shoots of grass and trees appear, and nature gradually awakens from its winter slumber.

TRADITIONS

According to tradition, the married daughters return to their parents' home to visit with their parents and relatives. They bring a piece of red silk and stewed pork. In modern China, the piece of red silk is replaced with a red silk scarf for the mother, and the stewed pork is replaced with a family dinner at a restaurant.

HEALTH

In the days leading up to and following the beginning of the Yushui season, it is necessary to pay close attention to one's health. Although the air temperature rises, the cold weather does not immediately recede, and the weather still changes a lot. It is during springtime that most chronic diseases, including cardiovascular, tend to exacerbate. During this time, one should beware of allergic diseases, as well as chickenpox, measles, and so on.

Spring is the time of the liver and gallbladder (associated with the wood element). The activation of the liver suppresses the function of the spleen and stomach, negatively affecting the transportation of nutrients throughout the body. This, in turn, can cause various gastrointestinal diseases: abdominal pain and discomfort, bad breath, and even depression. Therefore, it is crucial in spring to maintain harmony between the liver and spleen. To normalize the functioning of the liver and spleen, special attention should be paid to maintaining emotional stability and striving to avoid negative emotions.

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In early spring, it's important to dress warmly, but as spring progresses and temperatures rise, it's not practical to be bundled up all the time. That's why wise Chinese people have a saying: "xia hou shan bao" (下厚上薄) - wear thicker clothing below the waist and lighter clothing above. However, don't forget to keep your back and abdomen covered; for instance, you can replace a full jacket with a down vest. It's also essential to keep your feet and ankles warm.

NUTRITION

The famous physician Sun Simiao (孙思邈, 581—682 AD) wrote: "In spring, reduce the consumption of sour foods and increase the intake of sweet foods to nourish the Qi of the spleen." In traditional Chinese medicine, foods with a "sweet" taste are considered "staple foods" (主食), including rice, wheat, barley, millet, corn, potatoes, and some legumes (white beans, adzuki beans, soybeans). All of these foods help replenish the Qi of the spleen and stomach (and thus the Qi of the whole body) and maintain the body in a state of harmony.

Some vegetables also possess sweet taste and properties that replenish the Qi of the spleen and stomach, including cabbage, Chinese cabbage, Napa cabbage, radish, carrot, and pumpkin.