Seasons of China

Every year around February 4th, the Chinese people welcomed the first solar term, the Beginning of Spring, wearing silk flags in their hair and tying carrots with red cords to the trees. All the villagers celebrate the very first night of spring together.

The Rain Water solar term, children go to the countryside to listen to bird singing and pick fresh grass; mother prepares fresh sticky rice balls and a festive dragon lantern dance in the square to celebrate spring and welcome a fruitful year ahead.

Around March 5th the Insects Awakening solar term begins. At this time, there is a custom of enjoying roses and eating pears. Everyone is looking forward to the first thunder and the awakening of all things.

Around March the 20th, the Spring Equinox arrives. Sweet and fresh crisp bamboo shoots, soybean flour rolls, and sun cakes all symbolize plentiful grain. The spring announcer gives his blessings to each home to wish for a good harvest.

April the fourth heralds in the brightest season and the start of the Qingming solar term. Children play football and swing under the trees; their parents eat cold food and walk up mountains to pay respects to their ancestors' graves.

Every year around April 19th, Grain Rain arrives. This is the best time to appreciate peony flowers, Xiangchun sprouts and fresh tea. People pay thanks to the legendary ancestor Cangjie who invented Chinese characters.

Every year around May the fifth, Chinese people welcoming the first summer solar term, the beginning of summer. Traditions include eating a meal with freshly harvested rice, checking your weight, and giving each other black rice with blessings for another year.

Every year around May 21st, the Xiaoman solar term arrives. Abundant rainwater is essential for a good harvest. The Silkworms and cart deities are the symbols of wealth and prosperity and folks hold cultural activities expressing their gratitude.

Around June 6th every year, Mangzhong solar term arrives. At this time, the already busy farming season reaches its peak. Paying thanks to the flower gods and making wine with fresh plum berries, all show the Chinese people's closeness and respect for nature.

June 21st, the Summer Solstice arrives. This is the time when Farmers are busy weeding their fields. Eating pickles and bowls of noodles for health and longevity, this is their staple diet while working during the hot summer months.

The Lesser Heat solar term coming on July 7th, the summer heat wave arrives. Mango, Lotus root and watermelon are all seasonal foods and Chinese medicinal drinks to cool the body, for always on tap for the midsummer.

Around the 23rd of July each year, the hottest solar term arrives, the Great Heat. During this time, crops of the warm season enjoy their fastest period of growth. Traditionally people eat ginger and pineapples and pray for good health and blessings of prosperity.

Every year, around the 8th of August, China welcomes its first autumn solar term 'Liqiu', the Beginning of Autumn. As the hot summer recedes and the cool autumn beckons, crops are approaching their harvest. Farmers gather together, dancing and singing, celebrating the seasonal weather and the coming rich harvest.