The 24 Solar Terms, also known as the Chinese lunar calendar, divides the year into 24 distinct periods, each approximately 15 days long. These periods are based on changes in the Earth’s position in relation to the sun and are used to mark agricultural activities and seasons. Throughout history, Chinese people have accumulated a wealth of weather sayings and proverbs associated with each of these solar terms. Here are some of these sayings and their English translations:
1. Chongshou (冬首) - Beginning of Winter
- Saying: “When the winter solstice arrives, the sun is at its lowest point, and the days are shortest.”
- English Translation: “With the arrival of the winter solstice, the sun reaches its lowest point, and the days are at their shortest.”
2. Liangzi (立子) - Start of Winter Solstice
- Saying: “The sun stands still, and the cold becomes severe.”
- English Translation: “The sun stands still, marking the beginning of the severe cold.”
3. Xiazhi (夏至) - Summer Solstice
- Saying: “The sun is at its highest point, and the heat is overwhelming.”
- English Translation: “The sun reaches its zenith, and the heat is oppressive.”
4. Xuexi (小暑) - Slight Heat
- Saying: “The heat has just begun, but it is already unbearable.”
- English Translation: “The heat has just started, yet it is already intense.”
5. Chushu (处暑) - End of Heat
- Saying: “The heat has passed, and the weather starts to cool down.”
- English Translation: “The heat subsides, and the weather begins to cool.”
6. Qushu (秋社) - Start of Autumn
- Saying: “The leaves turn yellow, and the weather becomes pleasant.”
- English Translation: “The leaves turn golden, and the weather becomes delightful.”
7. Baishui (白露) - White Dew
- Saying: “The dew turns white, signaling the beginning of autumn.”
- English Translation: “The dew turns white, indicating the start of autumn.”
8. Hanshu (寒露) - Cold Dew
- Saying: “The dew is cold, and the autumn chill sets in.”
- English Translation: “The dew is cold, heralding the autumn chill.”
9. Chuanyu (秋分) - Autumn Equinox
- Saying: “Day and night are equal, and the weather becomes mild.”
- English Translation: “Day and night are equal, and the weather becomes mild.”
10. Guaishou (谷雨) - Grain Rain
- Saying: “The rain is timely, and the crops flourish.”
- English Translation: “The rain is timely, promoting the growth of crops.”
11. Qingming (清明) - Pure Brightness
- Saying: “The sky is clear, and the sun is bright; it’s the best time to go out for a stroll.”
- English Translation: “The sky is clear, and the sun is bright; it’s the perfect time to take a walk.”
12. Xiaoming (小满) - Slight Grain Full
- Saying: “The grain is just beginning to fill, and the weather is getting warmer.”
- English Translation: “The grain is just starting to fill, and the weather is becoming warmer.”
13. Chongming (芒种) - Grain in Ear
- Saying: “The crops are in ear, and the sun is shining.”
- English Translation: “The crops are in ear, and the sun is shining brightly.”
14. Xiaoshu (夏至) - Slight Heat
- Saying: “The heat is just beginning, and it’s time to drink more water.”
- English Translation: “The heat is just starting, so it’s important to drink more water.”
15. Chushu (处暑) - End of Heat
- Saying: “The heat has passed, and the weather starts to cool down.”
- English Translation: “The heat has passed, and the weather begins to cool.”
16. Bailu (白露) - White Dew
- Saying: “The dew turns white, signaling the beginning of autumn.”
- English Translation: “The dew turns white, indicating the start of autumn.”
17. Hanshu (寒露) - Cold Dew
- Saying: “The dew is cold, and the autumn chill sets in.”
- English Translation: “The dew is cold, heralding the autumn chill.”
18. Qingming (清明) - Pure Brightness
- Saying: “The sky is clear, and the sun is bright; it’s the best time to go out for a stroll.”
- English Translation: “The sky is clear, and the sun is bright; it’s the perfect time to take a walk.”
19. Xiaoming (小满) - Slight Grain Full
- Saying: “The grain is just beginning to fill, and the weather is getting warmer.”
- English Translation: “The grain is just starting to fill, and the weather is becoming warmer.”
20. Chongming (芒种) - Grain in Ear
- Saying: “The crops are in ear, and the sun is shining.”
- English Translation: “The crops are in ear, and the sun is shining brightly.”
21. Xiaoshu (夏至) - Slight Heat
- Saying: “The heat is just beginning, and it’s time to drink more water.”
- English Translation: “The heat is just starting, so it’s important to drink more water.”
22. Chushu (处暑) - End of Heat
- Saying: “The heat has passed, and the weather starts to cool down.”
- English Translation: “The heat has passed, and the weather begins to cool.”
23. Bailu (白露) - White Dew
- Saying: “The dew turns white, signaling the beginning of autumn.”
- English Translation: “The dew turns white, indicating the start of autumn.”
24. Hanshu (寒露) - Cold Dew
- Saying: “The dew is cold, and the autumn chill sets in.”
- English Translation: “The dew is cold, heralding the autumn chill.”
These sayings and proverbs reflect the wisdom of the Chinese people over generations, encapsulating the changing weather patterns and their impact on daily life. They are a testament to the close relationship between the Chinese and their environment, as well as the importance of tradition and culture in shaping everyday life.