二十四节气简介英文版

As an ancient Chinese saying goes, "Spring comes with the first solar term, the sun begins the first journey; Summer comes with the third solar term, the sun is at its strongest; Autumn comes with the seventh solar term, the sun begins to weaken; Winter comes with the ninth solar term, the sun is at its weakest." These solar terms refer to the 24 "节气" (Jiéqì) or seasonal divisions that China has been observing for over 2000 years. In this article, we'll delve deeper into this fascinating aspect of Chinese culture and explore the significance of each solar term.

The 24 solar terms consist of 12 "大气节" (dàqìjié) or major solar terms and 12 "小气节" (xiǎoqìjié) or minor solar terms. The major solar terms are determined by the sun's position in relation to the celestial equator, while the minor solar terms are based on the sun's position relative to the ecliptic. These 24 solar terms are used to mark the changing seasons, weather patterns, and agricultural activities. Let's take a closer look at each of these solar terms.

1. 立春 (Lìchūn): Beginning of Spring (Feb 3–5)

立春 marks the beginning of spring, as the sun begins its journey northward. This is the time when farmers start preparing for the planting season. Spring represents new beginnings, and many Chinese people celebrate by cleaning their homes and getting haircuts.

2. 雨水 (Yǔshuǐ): Rain Water (Feb 18–20)

It is said that the second solar term, 雨水, is the time when the rainwater of winter begins to nourish the earth. The weather begins to warm up and the ice begins to thaw. This is an important time for farmers to begin irrigating their fields.

3. 惊蛰 (Jīngzhé): Insects Awaken (Mar 5–7)

The third solar term is known as 惊蛰, and it is considered the beginning of spring proper. As the weather warms up, hibernating insects awaken and start becoming active again. Farmers need to keep a close eye on their crops, as insects can cause damage to emerging plants.

4. 春分 (Chūnfēn): Vernal Equinox (Mar 20–22)

春分 is the midpoint of spring and marks the beginning of longer daylight hours. It is also a time of balanced yin and yang energy, with the sun's energy increasing and the earth's energy beginning to awaken.

5. 清明 (Qīngmíng): Tomb Sweeping Day (Apr 4–6)

清明 is a time of great importance in Chinese culture. It is a time for people to pay their respects to their ancestors by visiting their gravesites and cleaning them. Qingming is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away.

6. 谷雨 (Gǔyǔ): Grain Rain (Apr 19–21)

谷雨 is the final solar term of spring, and it signals the arrival of the rainy season. This is a critical time for crops, as rainwater is necessary for them to grow. Farmers need to make sure their fields are properly irrigated to ensure a good harvest.

7. 立夏 (Lìxià): Beginning of Summer (May 5–7)

立夏 marks the beginning of summer, and temperatures begin to rise. This is also a time when crops begin to grow rapidly, and farmers must work extra hard to keep up with the demands of the season.

8. 小满 (Xiǎomǎn): Grain Full (May 20–22)

小满 is a critical time for farmers, as it signals the fullness of grain. At this time, crops are at their peak and farmers must work diligently to ensure a bountiful harvest.

9. 芒种 (Mángzhòng): Grain in Ear (Jun 5–7)

芒种 marks the beginning of the summer harvest season. Crops like wheat, barley, and oats begin to ripen and farmers must work hard to ensure a good harvest.

10. 夏至 (Xiàzhì): Summer Solstice (Jun 21–23)

夏至 marks the longest day and shortest night of the year. In Chinese mythology, it is said that the yang energy is at its strongest during this time. Many people enjoy outdoor activities and spend time soaking up the sun.

11. 小暑 (Xiǎoshǔ): Slight Heat (Jul 7–9)

小暑 is the time when the weather begins to get extremely hot in China. This is a time when people need to stay hydrated and protect themselves from the sun.

12. 大暑 (Dàshǔ): Major Heat (Jul 22–24)

大暑 is the hottest time of the year in China. It is important for people to stay indoors and keep cool during this time. Farmers must also take extra precautions to protect their crops from the heat.

13. 立秋 (Lìqiū): Beginning of Autumn (Aug 7–9)

立秋 marks the beginning of autumn, as the first cool breezes begin to blow. This is a time when farmers begin to harvest their crops and prepare for the winter season.

14. 处暑 (Chùshǔ): End of Heat (Aug 22–24)

处暑 is the end of the scorching summer heat. This is a time when people can finally breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy the cooler temperatures.

15. 白露 (Báilù): White Dew (Sep 7–9)

白露 is when the cool air of autumn begins to condense into dewdrops on the ground. This is a time when crops like rice, corn, and sorghum begin to mature and farmers must work hard to ensure a good harvest.

16. 秋分 (Qiūfēn): Autumnal Equinox (Sep 22–24)

秋分 is the midpoint of autumn and marks the beginning of shorter daylight hours. It is also a time when yin energy begins to increase and the earth's energy starts to withdraw.

17. 寒露 (Hánlù): Cold Dew (Oct 8–9)

寒露 heralds the approach of winter, as the first frosty dew begins to appear. This is a time when people need to start preparing for the upcoming cold season.

18. 霜降 (Shuāngjiàng): Hoar-frost Falls (Oct 23–24)

霜降 is the time when the first frost falls, and temperatures begin to drop rapidly. This is a time when farmers must work diligently to gather the rest of their autumn harvest.

19. 立冬 (Lìdōng): Beginning of Winter (Nov 7–8)

立冬 marks the beginning of winter, as the temperature begins to plummet. This is a time when people must bundle up and protect themselves from the cold.

20. 小雪 (Xiǎoxuě): Slight Snow (Nov 22–23)

小雪 marks the beginning of the snow season, as the first flurries begin to fall. This is a time when people must be careful on the roads and stay warm indoors.

21. 大雪 (Dàxuě): Major Snow (Dec 7–8)

大雪 is the heaviest snowfall of the year, and many parts of China become blanketed in white. This is a time when people must shovel snow and protect themselves from the harsh winter weather.

22. 冬至 (Dōngzhì): Winter Solstice (Dec 21–23)

冬至 marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. In Chinese mythology, it is said that the yin energy is at its strongest during this time. Many people enjoy traditional dishes like dumplings and glutinous rice balls during this festival.

23. 小寒 (Xiǎohán): Slight Cold (Jan 5–6)

小寒 is the time when the cold weather begins to intensify, and people must stay bundled up to avoid getting sick.

24. 大寒 (Dàhán): Major Cold (Jan 20–21)

大寒 is the last solar term of the year, and it is also the coldest. This is a time when people must take extra precautions to avoid getting cold and sick.

In conclusion, the solar terms are an essential part of Chinese culture and provide a fascinating insight into the country's agricultural practices and seasonal shifts. Understanding the significance of each solar term can help us appreciate the subtle changes in our environment and better prepare for the challenges of the changing seasons.