In Chinese culture, the “Autumnal Equinox” (处暑, Chǔshǔ) is a time of transition from summer to autumn, often marked by the balance of day and night and the beginning of the harvest season. There are many traditional sayings, or proverbs, associated with this important节气 (jìjié). Below are some examples of these sayings, along with their English translations.
- 中文： “白露身不露，秋分脚不露。” 英文： “When the White Dew comes, don’t expose your body; when the Autumnal Equinox arrives, don’t expose your feet.”
解释： This saying suggests that during the White Dew, it’s still warm enough to wear lighter clothing, but once the Autumnal Equinox passes, the weather gets cooler, and it’s important to start wearing warmer socks and shoes.
- 中文： “处暑天不暑，秋风送爽。” 英文： “The day after the Autumnal Equinox is not hot; the autumn wind brings a refreshing coolness.”
解释： This proverb indicates that after the Autumnal Equinox, the weather becomes significantly cooler, and the autumn wind brings a pleasant coolness.
- 中文： “处暑不出头，割谷喂老牛。” 英文： “If crops do not grow after the Autumnal Equinox, cut the grain to feed the old cows.”
解释： This saying reflects the agricultural practices of the time, suggesting that if crops are not growing well after the Autumnal Equinox, it’s time to harvest the grains and use them for feeding livestock.
- 中文： “处暑天气晴，家家收秋忙。” 英文： “Clear skies after the Autumnal Equinox, everyone is busy harvesting autumn crops.”
解释： This proverb implies that good weather after the Autumnal Equinox is an ideal time for agricultural activities, such as harvesting crops.
- 中文： “处暑后，雁阵南飞。” 英文： “After the Autumnal Equinox, geese fly in a V-formation southward.”
解释： This proverb describes the natural behavior of geese that migrate southward in the fall, often seen as a sign of the change of seasons.
These sayings are not only poetic expressions of the time but also embody the wisdom and observations of ancient Chinese people regarding the natural world and agricultural practices.