Fishing has been an integral part of Chinese culture, and the 24 Solar Terms, a traditional Chinese system of dividing the year into 24 periods based on the changes in the sun’s position, have deeply influenced the practices and sayings associated with it. These sayings, passed down through generations, reflect the wisdom of the ancient Chinese people in understanding and adapting to the natural world. Below, we delve into some of these sayings and explain their meanings for English speakers.
1. 小寒大寒，滴水成冰 (Xiǎo Hán Dà Hán, Dī Shuǐ Chéng Bīng)
Meaning: “During the periods of Lesser Cold and Greater Cold, water can freeze into ice with a drop.” This saying refers to the extreme cold of the winter solstice, when temperatures can drop significantly, leading to the formation of ice on water bodies.
2. 立春鱼动 (Lì Chūn Yú Dòng)
Meaning: “On the Start of Spring, fish begin to move.” This saying marks the beginning of spring, a time when fish become more active due to the warming weather and increasing daylight hours.
3. 惊蛰鱼浮头 (Jīng Zhé Yú Fú Tóu)
Meaning: “During the Awakening of Insects, fish come to the surface of the water.” This occurs when water temperatures rise, and fish are more likely to come to the surface to breathe due to the increased oxygen demand.
4. 春分鱼起水 (Chūn Fēn Yú Qǐ Shuǐ)
Meaning: “On the Spring Equinox, fish come up to the water surface.” The equal distribution of day and night during this time encourages fish to feed more actively.
5. 清明鱼开口 (Qīng Míng Yú Kāi Kǒu)
Meaning: “On Pure Brightness, fish start to open their mouths.” This period, which is associated with the end of spring, is often considered an excellent time for fishing due to the abundant food supply for fish.
6. 谷雨鱼跳滩 (Gǔ Yǔ Yú Tiào Tān)
Meaning: “During the Grain Rain, fish jump onto the bank.” This saying indicates that fish are particularly active during this time, which is beneficial for fishing.
7. 立夏鱼儿欢 (Lì Xià Yúr Er Huān)
Meaning: “On the Start of Summer, fish are joyful.” As the weather warms up, fish become more active and are easier to catch.
8. 小满鱼儿长 (Xiǎo Mǎn Yúr Er Zhǎng)
Meaning: “During the Grain in Full, fish grow.” This period is when fish are growing rapidly due to the warm weather and abundant food.
9. 芒种鱼儿美 (Máng Zhòng Yúr Er Měi)
Meaning: “On the Grain in Ear, fish look beautiful.” Fish are at their best during this period, both in terms of size and taste.
10. 夏至鱼儿肥 (Xià Zhì Yúr Er Fēi)
Meaning: “On the Summer Solstice, fish are fat.” This saying reflects the fact that fish tend to be at their fattest and most flavorful during the summer solstice.
11. 小暑鱼儿瘦 (Xiǎo Shǔ Yúr Er Shòu)
Meaning: “During the Lesser Heat, fish become thin.” As temperatures rise further, fish may become less abundant and harder to catch.
12. 大暑鱼儿少 (Dà Shǔ Yúr Er Shǎo)
Meaning: “On the Greater Heat, fish are scarce.” This period is characterized by extreme heat, which can make fishing difficult and fish less abundant.
13. 立秋鱼儿游 (Lì Qiū Yúr Er Yóu)
Meaning: “On the Start of Autumn, fish start to swim.” This period marks the transition from summer to autumn, and fish become more active again as the weather cools.
14. 处暑鱼儿跳 (Chǔ Shǔ Yúr Er Tiào)
Meaning: “During the Slight Cold, fish jump.” This saying indicates that fish are particularly active during this period, which is beneficial for fishing.
15. 白露鱼儿长 (Bái Lù Yúr Er Zhǎng)
Meaning: “On the White Dew, fish grow.” As the weather continues to cool, fish continue to grow and become more abundant.
16. 秋分鱼儿跃 (Qiū Fēn Yúr Er Yuè)
Meaning: “On the Autumn Equinox, fish leap.” This period is associated with the equal distribution of day and night, which encourages fish to be more active and easier to catch.
17. 寒露鱼儿忙 (Hán Lù Yúr Er Máng)
Meaning: “On the Cold Dew, fish are busy.” This period marks the beginning of fall, and fish are actively preparing for the colder months ahead.
18. 霜降鱼儿藏 (Shuāng Jiàng Yúr Er Cáng)
Meaning: “On the Descent of Frost, fish hide.” As temperatures drop, fish become less active and are more likely to hide in deeper waters.
19. 立冬鱼儿冻 (Lì Dōng Yúr Er Dòng)
Meaning: “On the Start of Winter, fish freeze.” This period marks the beginning of winter, and fish may become less abundant due to the cold weather.
20. 小雪鱼儿瘦 (Xiǎo Xiě Yúr Er Shòu)
Meaning: “During the Light Snow, fish become thin.” As winter progresses, fish may become less abundant and harder to catch.
21. 大雪鱼儿忙 (Dà Xiě Yúr Er Máng)
Meaning: “On the Heavy Snow, fish are busy.” This period is when fish are actively feeding to prepare for the cold winter ahead.
22. 冬至鱼儿藏 (Dōng Zhì Yúr Er Cáng)
Meaning: “On the Winter Solstice, fish hide.” This period marks the shortest day of the year and the beginning of the peak of winter, when fish are less active and more likely to be found in deeper waters.
23. 小寒鱼儿瘦 (Xiǎo Hán Yúr Er Shòu)
Meaning: “During the Lesser Cold, fish become thin.” This period is characterized by cold weather, which can make fishing difficult and fish less abundant.
24. 大寒鱼儿藏 (Dà Hán Yúr Er Cáng)
Meaning: “On the Greater Cold, fish hide.” This period marks the coldest time of the year and is considered the worst time for fishing due to the extreme cold and ice on water bodies.
These sayings reflect the deep connection between the Chinese people and their environment, and the wisdom they have gained over centuries in understanding the natural world. For English speakers interested in fishing or the Chinese culture, these sayings offer valuable insights into the practices and beliefs associated with fishing during different times of the year.