24 solar terms of the Chinese calendar

In the Chinese agricultural calendar, the annual cycle is divided into 24 solar terms. Each solar term lasts for about fifteen to sixteen days. The Chinese calendar combines elements of both the lunar and solar calendars. It is based on astronomical phenomena such as the alternation of day and night, the phases of the moon, and the changing seasons. It determines the beginning of agricultural activities, including the seasons for tea harvesting, and the celebration of traditional Chinese festiva

Winter gradually, though with difficulty, gives up its position; yet the imminent victory of spring is inevitable. It is said that life begins when water has risen. Spring is like a tree; it grows with water. Rain begins after winter. There will be more rain in the summer. In China, the Lichun season usually falls between February 3rd and 5th, which is in the Tiger month of the Chinese calendar. It is the first of the 24 seasons of the Chinese calendar, marking the start of the New Year.

The cold weather gradually retreats, the spring warmth leads to snow melting, air humidity increases, the sun becomes warmer, and rains pour onto the awakening earth. The Rain Water Season, according to the Chinese calendar, begins from February 18th to 20th and coincides with the month of the tiger. The Rain Water Solar Term is one of the four lesser solar terms signifying the onset of precipitation, characterized by damp weather. It is the second of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar.

The weather is getting warmer. Spring thunder wakes up the insects slumbering in the ground and in their shelters. In many areas of China, peach trees bloom with pink flowers, while plum trees blossom with white flowers. You can hear the babble of birds. Farmers begin spring sowing. Jingzhe Solar Term ("Awakening of Insects," or "Awakening of Worms") is the third of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar; it begins around March 5-6, coinciding with the beginning of the Rabbit month.

Spring is finally coming into its own, the earth is covered with fresh greenery, the air becomes incredibly clean and transparent, freely allowing the warm rays of the spring sun to pass through. The ancient books say: “At this time, the growth of all things occurs, everything around is clear and bright, that’s why it is called Clear and Bright.” During this period the weather becomes warmer; plants and trees begin to grow; everything is bright and clear; The winds of this time blow from the sou

Spring field work is in full swing. Nature itself took care to provide the most favorable conditions for the growth of crops - fairly warm weather combined with spring rains. The abundance of solar heat and rain moisture lays a good basis for the autumn harvest. All living things enjoy the spring warmth, fresh and clean air.

Lixia – means “The Beginning of Summer”. Xia is a holiday, so it's a celebration of growth. Summer only comes into its own right, but gradually the weather is getting warmer, the day length increases.

The air temperature rises noticeably. There is an active filling with the life-giving juices of summer grains — barley and winter wheat, so the name of this season can be translated as “small filling” or “small saturation”. Xiaoman season is the eighth of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese calendar. This is the second season of summer, it occurs annually on May 20-22 and coincides with the second half of the month of the Snake.

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).

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

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 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.