In ancient China, during the agrarian society, there was a considerable period without weather forecasts. The 24 solar terms played an exceptionally crucial role in people’s farming and daily life. Throughout this period, they interlinked with heavenly stems, earthly branches, and the Bagua, providing a deeper influence on our fortunes and misfortunes.
Introduction to the 24 solar terms
The 24 solar terms refer to the 24 specific points in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar that mark the changing seasons. Originating from the birthplace of Chinese civilization, the Yellow River Basin, these terms have had a profound impact not only on East Asia but also globally. On November 30, 2016, the 24 solar terms were officially recognized and included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In the international meteorological community, they are esteemed as the “Fifth Grandeur of China.”
The Principles of The 24 Solar Terms
The Twenty-Four Solar Terms reflect the Earth’s movement along the ecliptic (the orbit around the sun). Starting from the vernal equinox, each term marks the sun’s progression of 15 degrees, completing a full circle in one solar year. The equinoxes and solstices play a special role, symbolizing equal day and night during the equinoxes and the extremes of daylight during the solstices.
The Historical Evolution of The 24 Solar Terms
The measurement of solar terms began with the observation of shadows cast by sundials. From the ancient days of merely four terms during the Shang Dynasty to the full establishment of 24 Solar Terms during the Qin and Han Dynasties, these terms found their place in calendars, notably in the “Tai Chu Li” compiled in 104 BCE. Interconnected with Heavenly Stems, Earthly Branches, and the Eight Trigrams, they have a rich historical lineage.
The Significance of The 24 Solar Terms
The 24 Solar Terms guide us through the ever-changing seasons, each carrying a unique essence. From the freshness of “Spring Equinox” to the heat of “Summer Solstice,” and the crispness of “White Dew” to the chill of “Winter Solstice,” these terms encapsulate the intricate dance of nature.
Beginning of Spring (立春)
As the initial term, it heralds the onset of spring, breathing life into the world. With its arrival, all things rejuvenate, marking the commencement of the yearly cycle.
Rainwater (雨水)
Warmth intensifies, melting ice and bringing an increase in rainfall. As the proverb goes, “With the arrival of spring, busy with sowing and transplanting.”
Insects Awaken (惊蛰)
Signifying warmer temperatures, this term sees the awakening of hibernating creatures and the commencement of insect hatching. It’s a vibrant period marking the awakening of nature.
Spring Equinox (春分)
As day and night share equal duration, it marks the official start of spring. Farmers begin preparing fields, and nature blossoms in full swing.
Pure Brightness (清明)
With clear skies and warm weather, this term witnesses the flourishing of flora. Traditionally, it’s a time for outdoor activities and tomb-sweeping, reflecting ancient customs.
Grain Rain (谷雨)
Symbolizing the rain that nurtures grains, it marks a crucial period for the growth of crops. The earth is replenished, and life bursts forth.
Start of Summer (立夏)
Announcing the beginning of summer, this term ushers in a period of vigorous growth. Temperatures rise, thunderstorms become more frequent, and crops enter a phase of rapid development.
Grain Full (小满)
Signifying the maturity of summer crops, especially grains, it’s a pivotal moment before the harvest. Fields are abundant, promising a season of fruitful harvests.
Grain in Ear (芒种)
Named after the grains filling the ears, it’s the prime time for planting crops with awns. In some regions, it marks the onset of the rainy season, known as “Mildew Rain.”
Summer Solstice (夏至)
As the sun reaches its highest point, daylight peaks, and summer officially begins. It’s the longest day of the year, marking the zenith of warmth and growth.
Minor Heat (小暑)
While the weather heats up, it’s not yet at its peak. This term signals the approach of the hottest days, known as “Minor Heat” before “Major Heat.”
Major Heat (大暑)
Representing the hottest days of the year, it’s a critical period for heat protection and flood prevention. Rainfall increases, and the saying goes, “Rain during Minor and Major Heat can drown mice.”
Start of Autumn (立秋)
Marking the start of autumn, temperatures begin to cool, and days become shorter. The crispness in the air signifies the transition from summer to fall.
End of Heat (处暑)
The conclusion of the hot season, signaling a shift to cooler temperatures. It marks the turning point, indicating the end of summer.
White Dew (白露)
As temperatures drop, dew forms, resembling white frost on surfaces. The air becomes crisper, and autumnal signs intensify.
Autumn Equinox (秋分)
Similar to the Spring Equinox, it marks the day when day and night are nearly equal. As sunlight shifts southward, autumn officially begins in the Northern Hemisphere.
Cold Dew (寒露)
Following White Dew, the term indicates a further drop in temperatures. Dew becomes more pronounced, and the air turns colder, foretelling the imminent arrival of winter.
Frost Descends (霜降)
Symbolizing the onset of frosty weather, it’s a signal for the first frost. Farmers prepare for the transition to winter, ensuring crops are harvested before the harsh weather sets in.
Start of Winter (立冬)
Marking the beginning of winter, it signifies the end of fieldwork and the commencement of winter preparations. The Yellow River in China begins to freeze in this period.
Minor Snow (小雪)
As temperatures continue to drop, light snowfall begins. It’s a precursor to heavier snowfall, marking the beginning of winter in northern regions.
Major Snow (大雪)
Indicating substantial snowfall, especially in regions like the Yellow River basin. Winter takes hold, bringing a serene landscape blanketed in snow.
Winter Solstice (冬至)
On this day, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest day and longest night. As winter officially sets in, people celebrate by eating “Dongzhi” glutinous rice balls.
Minor Cold (小寒)
The term signifies the gradual intensification of cold weather. It is a prelude to the coldest days of the year, marking the beginning of a truly frigid season.
Major Cold (大寒)
Representing the peak of winter, Major Cold brings extremely cold temperatures. It marks the culmination of the solar terms, concluding the annual cycle and preparing for the arrival of spring.
In essence, China’s Twenty-Four Solar Terms encapsulate the poetic dance of nature, guiding the rhythm of life for generations. As a testament to their significance, these terms have been recognized by UNESCO, solidifying their place as a unique cultural heritage, influencing not only East Asia but resonating globally as the “Fifth Grandeur of China” in the field of meteorology.
24 Solar Terms and the Twelve Zodiac Signs
Both the Western Zodiac theory and the Chinese 24 Solar Terms theory are derived from the laws governing celestial movements, sharing some similarities. The starting points of Aries correspond to the energies of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms.
The Twelve Zodiac Signs, part of the ecliptic’s twelve houses in astrology, describe the sun’s journey through twelve sectors, including Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Aries
Birthdates: March 21 – April 20
Corresponds to the Spring Equinox to Grain Rain in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Spring Equinox falls around March 20-22, while Qingming (Pure Brightness) occurs approximately on April 4-6.
Taurus
Birthdates: April 21 – May 21
Corresponds to Grain Rain to Minor Fullness in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Grain Rain is around April 19-21, and Li Xia (Start of Summer) is around May 5-7.
Gemini
Birthdates: May 22 – June 21
Corresponds to Minor Fullness to Summer Solstice in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Minor Fullness is around May 20-22, and Mang Zhong (Grain in Ear) is around June 5-7.
Cancer
Birthdates: June 22 – July 22
Corresponds to Summer Solstice to Major Heat in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Summer Solstice is around June 21-22, and Xiao Shu (Minor Heat) is around July 6-8.
Leo
Birthdates: July 23 – August 23
Corresponds to Major Heat to End of Heat in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Major Heat is around July 22-24, and Li Qiu (Start of Autumn) is around August 7-9.
Virgo
Birthdates: August 24 – September 23
Corresponds to End of Heat to Autumn Equinox in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. End of Heat is around August 22-24, and Bai Lu (White Dew) is around September 7-9.
Libra
Birthdates: September 24 – October 23
Corresponds to Autumn Equinox to Frost’s Descent in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Autumn Equinox is around September 22-24, and Han Lu (Cold Dew) is around October 8-9.
Scorpio
Birthdates: October 24 – November 22
Corresponds to Frost’s Descent to Minor Snow in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Frost’s Descent is around October 23-24, and Li Dong (Start of Winter) is around November 7-8.
Sagittarius
Birthdates: November 23 – December 21
Corresponds to Minor Snow to Winter Solstice in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Minor Snow is around November 22-23, and Da Xue (Major Snow) is around December 6-8.
Capricorn
Birthdates: December 22 – January 20
Corresponds to Winter Solstice to Major Cold in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Winter Solstice is around December 21-23, and Xiao Han (Minor Cold) is around January 5-7.
Aquarius
Birthdates: January 21 – February 19
Corresponds to Major Cold to Rain Water in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Major Cold is around January 20-21, and Li Chun (Start of Spring) is around February 3-5.
Pisces
Birthdates: February 20 – March 20
Corresponds to Rain Water to Spring Equinox in the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. Rain Water is around February 18-20, and Jing Zhe (Insects Awaken) is around March 5-7.
The bottom line
This article introduces the 24 solar terms, which are 24 specific points in the traditional Chinese culture that reflect seasonal changes and agricultural rules. The article explains the characteristics and impacts of the 24 solar terms from three aspects: principles, history, and significance. It also lists the names and customs of the first ten solar terms. The article is an overview of the 24 solar terms, which lets the readers understand this Chinese wisdom and heritage.
