The solar terms, or solar terms, were established in ancient China as supplementary calendars specifically to guide agricultural activities. They represent the accumulated experience
and wisdom of the Chinese working people.
The 24 solar terms represent a body of knowledge and social practice developed by the Chinese through observing the annual movement of the sun and understanding the patterns
of seasonal, climatic, and phenological changes throughout the year. They are an important component of the traditional Chinese calendar system and its related practices, and are
known as "China's Fifth Great Invention."
The 24 solar terms originated in the Yellow River Basin, a product of ancient agricultural civilization. They were gradually refined during the Warring States Period and officially
incorporated into the calendar during the Western Han Dynasty.
The 24 solar terms are: Beginning of Spring, Rain Water, Awakening of Insects, Spring Equinox, Pure Brightness, Grain Rain, Beginning of Summer, Grain Full, Grain in Ear, Summer
Solstice, Lesser Heat, Greater Heat, Beginning of Autumn, End of Heat, White Dew, Autumnal Equinox, Cold Dew, Frost Descent, Beginning of Winter, Light Snow, Heavy Snow,
Winter Solstice, Lesser Cold, and Greater Cold.
Beginning of Autumn is the 13th of the 24 solar terms and the starting point of autumn, marking the beginning of the first month of autumn. Although it's the Beginning of Autumn,
many areas are still experiencing the scorching heat of the "autumn tiger," with the real coolness not arriving until after the White Dew Festival. Daytime heat persists, but mornings
and evenings cool.
The Beginning of Autumn is associated with several traditional customs, such as putting on weight, eating autumn fruits, and sunbathing.
With the arrival of the Beginning of Autumn, the weather is dry. Eat more yin-nourishing and lung-moisturizing foods, such as pears, lilies, white fungus, and lotus roots, and avoid
spicy foods. Sun protection is still recommended during the day, but be careful not to seek cooler temperatures at night.
