Morning reads are a delightful way to start the day, especially when they come with a sprinkle of cultural wisdom. The Chinese 24 Solar Terms, a traditional method of dividing the year into 24 periods, offers a rich tapestry of proverbs that have been passed down through generations. These proverbs are not only a testament to the ancient wisdom of the Chinese but also a window into the country’s deep connection with nature and agriculture. Let’s embark on a journey through these intriguing sayings, translated into English and accompanied by morning reads that resonate with their essence.
1. 小寒 (Xiǎo Hán) - The Slight Cold
The first solar term of the year, marking the beginning of winter. The proverb “小寒大寒，冻死老汉” translates to “When it’s really cold, even the old man can’t stand it.” It’s a reminder that extreme temperatures can bring the strongest to their knees.
Morning Read: “In the cold winter mornings, the first rays of sunlight are like a warm embrace, promising the return of spring.”
2. 大寒 (Dà Hán) - The Great Cold
The last solar term of winter. The proverb “大寒不寒，清明风大” means “If it’s not cold during the Great Cold, there will be strong winds during the Qingming Festival.” It highlights the unpredictability of nature.
Morning Read: “As the sun peeks over the horizon, it warms the heart, reminding us that even in the coldest days, there’s always hope for warmth.”
3. 立春 (Lì Chūn) - Spring Begins
The first day of spring signals the end of winter. “立春天气暖，雨水晚” translates to “When the weather warms up in the Beginning of Spring, the Rain Water will come late.” It reflects the gradual change in seasons.
Morning Read: “The first breath of spring is like a gentle whisper, promising a blossoming of new beginnings.”
4. 雨水 (Yuán Shuǐ) - Rain Water
Rain Water is the second solar term of spring. “雨水贵如油，菜花满地流” means “Rain Water is as precious as oil, and cauliflower will flow on the ground.” It symbolizes the importance of rain in agriculture.
Morning Read: “In the gentle rain, seeds are nurtured, promising a bountiful harvest.”
5. 惊蛰 (Jīng Zhé) - Waking of Insects
This solar term marks the awakening of insects. “惊蛰雷声动，万物皆苏醒” translates to “When there’s thunder on the Waking of Insects, all things will wake up.” It signifies the start of new life.
Morning Read: “The first thunder of spring is like a drumbeat, waking the earth from its slumber.”
6. 春分 (Chūn Fēn) - Spring Equinox
The day when day and night are of equal length. “春分麦起身，一刻值千金” means “On the Spring Equinox, wheat starts to grow, and every moment is worth ten thousand in gold.” It emphasizes the importance of time in agriculture.
Morning Read: “As the sun stands still, it reminds us of the value of every moment, especially in the busy season of growth.”
7. 清明 (Qīng Míng) - Pure Brightness
This solar term is associated with tomb sweeping and the Qingming Festival. “清明风若从，麦子长得旺” translates to “If there’s wind on the Pure Brightness, wheat will grow strong.” It highlights the significance of wind in agriculture.
Morning Read: “In the pure brightness of spring, the wind carries the promise of a lush harvest.”
8. 谷雨 (Gǔ Yǔ) - Grain Rain
The last solar term of spring. “谷雨麦挑旗，种瓜不怕迟” means “On Grain Rain, wheat stands tall like a flag, and planting melons won’t be too late.” It signifies the abundance of rain and the opportunity for planting.
Morning Read: “The rain of Grain Rain nourishes the earth, reminding us that the right time is always ripe for new beginnings.”
9. 立夏 (Lì Xià) - Summer Begins
The first day of summer. “立夏麦秀才，蚕妇不离家” translates to “On the Beginning of Summer, wheat looks like a scholar, and silk weavers won’t leave home.” It reflects the busy season of summer.
Morning Read: “As the sun ascends higher, it heralds the bustling days of summer, filled with the sound of nature’s rhythm.”
10. 小满 (Xiǎo Mǎn) - Grain Full
This solar term marks the time when grains are just beginning to fill out. “小满不满，麦有一镰” means “If it’s not full on the Small Grain, there will only be one sickle of wheat.” It underscores the importance of timing in harvesting.
Morning Read: “The fullness of the Small Grain is a silent reminder that every moment counts, especially in the fields.”
11. 芒种 (Máng Zhòng) - Grain in Ear
Mangzhong signifies the time when crops are in the ear. “芒种天气热，稻花香千里” translates to “On the Grain in Ear, the weather is hot, and the fragrance of rice can be smelled a thousand miles away.” It captures the essence of summer.
Morning Read: “The hot sun of Mangzhong is a relentless gardener, nurturing the crops with its fierce embrace.”
12. 夏至 (Xià Zhì) - Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year. “夏至到，天渐短” means “When the Summer Solstice arrives, the days become shorter.” It marks the turning point of the year.
Morning Read: “As the sun reaches its zenith, it reminds us of the fleeting nature of time and the beauty of change.”
13. 小暑 (Xiǎo Shǔ) - Slight Heat
This solar term signifies the beginning of summer’s heat. “小暑大暑，上蒸下煮” translates to “When it’s Slight Heat or Great Heat, it feels like being steamed from above and boiled from below.” It captures the essence of summer’s scorching heat.
Morning Read: “In the Slight Heat, every breath feels like a struggle against the relentless sun, yet it’s in these moments that the strength of life is truly revealed.”
14. 大暑 (Dà Shǔ) - Great Heat
The last solar term of summer. “大暑三伏天，赤日炎炎似火烧” means “In the Great Heat, it’s the hottest time of the year, and the sun is so scorching it feels like fire.” It emphasizes the extreme heat of summer.
Morning Read: “The Great Heat is a trial of endurance, but it also reveals the resilience of nature and the indomitable spirit of life.”
15. 立秋 (Lì Qiū) - Autumn Begins
The first day of autumn. “立秋天气爽，秋蝉鸣叫声” means “When it’s the Beginning of Autumn, the weather is pleasant, and the cicadas sing their songs.” It signifies the transition from summer to autumn.
Morning Read: “As the leaves begin to turn, the morning air is crisp, inviting us to embrace the new season.”
16. 处暑 (Chǔ Shǔ) - End of Heat
This solar term marks the end of summer’s heat. “处暑天气凉，蚊子都飞光” translates to “When it’s the End of Heat, the weather cools down, and mosquitoes all fly away.” It reflects the changing climate.
Morning Read: “The End of Heat brings a cool breeze, a gentle reminder that the warmth of summer is but a distant memory.”
17. 白露 (Bái Lù) - White Dew
The third solar term of autumn. “白露秋分夜，凉风至” means “On the White Dew, at the time of the Autumn Equinox, cool wind arrives.” It signifies the start of autumn’s chill.
Morning Read: “The White Dew is a silent sentinel, heralding the arrival of autumn with its crisp, cool breath.”
18. 秋分 (Qiū Fēn) - Autumn Equinox
The day when day and night are of equal length again. “秋分无昼夜，菊花香满园” means “On the Autumn Equinox, there is no difference between day and night, and the garden is filled with the fragrance of chrysanthemums.” It captures the essence of autumn.
Morning Read: “The Autumn Equinox is a time of balance, a gentle reminder that even in the changing seasons, there is harmony to be found.”
19. 寒露 (Hán Lù) - Cold Dew
This solar term marks the beginning of autumn’s chill. “寒露至，霜降至” translates to “When Cold Dew arrives, frost will follow.” It signifies the intensifying cold of autumn.
Morning Read: “The Cold Dew brings a crispness to the air, a reminder that autumn is indeed a season of change.”
20. 霜降 (Shuāng Jiàng) - Frost’s Descent
The last solar term of autumn. “霜降天气寒，鱼肥鸟儿欢” means “On the Descent of Frost, the weather is cold, but fish are fat and birds are joyful.” It reflects the natural order of things.
Morning Read: “In the coolness of the Descent of Frost, nature is at its most serene, a testament to the beauty of autumn.”
21. 立冬 (Lì Dōng) - Winter Begins
The first day of winter. “立冬之日，水始冰” means “On the Beginning of Winter, the water starts to freeze.” It signifies the arrival of winter.
Morning Read: “As the sun sets earlier, the first whispers of winter remind us of the beauty of the coming season.”
22. 小雪 (Xiǎo Xuě) - Light Snow
This solar term marks the beginning of snowfall. “小雪雪满天，来年必丰年” translates to “When it snows on the Light Snow, the next year will be a bountiful harvest.” It reflects the belief in the auspiciousness of snow.
Morning Read: “The gentle fall of snow on Light Snow is like a blanket of peace, promising a fruitful year ahead.”
23. 大雪 (Dà Xuě) - Heavy Snow
The last solar term of winter. “大雪满弓刀，冻死小猪猫” means “When it snows heavily on the Heavy Snow, even little pigs and cats can freeze to death.” It highlights the severity of winter.
Morning Read: “The Heavy Snow is a stark reminder of winter’s power, yet it also brings a serene beauty to the landscape.”
24. 冬至 (Dōng Zhì) - Winter Solstice
The shortest day of the year. “冬至一阳生，万物皆向荣” means “On the Winter Solstice, the first yang is born, and all things will flourish.” It signifies the beginning of the end of winter and the return of light.
Morning Read: “As the sun dips low in the sky, it reminds us of the turning point of the year, a time of renewal and hope.”