In Chinese tradition, the passing of time is measured using Chinese Solar Terms (节气, Jiéqì). These 24 distinct divisions of the year are linked to natural and agricultural events, and provides insights into Chinese culture. From guiding agriculture to celebrating festivals, these terms play a pivotal role in Chinese and asian culture.
Understanding Chinese Solar Terms
The roots of Chinese Solar Terms date back thousands of years, stemming from China's agricultural history. These terms serve as a natural calendar, providing guidance for farmers in planting, harvesting, and other crucial tasks. They are classified into Major Solar Terms (大气, Dàqì) and Minor Solar Terms (小气, Xiǎoqì), each spanning approximately 15 days.
24 Major Solar Terms
1. Start of Spring (立春, Lì Chūn) - Around February 4th: The arrival of spring awakens life from winter's slumber, marking the time to sow seeds.
2. Rain Water (雨水, Yǔ Shuǐ) - Around February 19th: As winter recedes, rainwater melts ice, symbolizing the transition to spring.
3. Insects Awaken (惊蛰, Jīng Zhé) - Around March 6th: Rising temperatures stir insects and signal land cultivation.
4. Vernal Equinox (春分, Chūn Fēn) - Around March 21st: Nature achieves balance as day and night share equal time, signifying full spring.
5. Clear and Bright (清明, Qīng Míng) - Around April 5th: Honoring ancestors and enjoying clearer skies as spring flourishes.
Chinese holiday tradition:
Qingming Festival (清明节, Qīng Míng Jié): Also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, it's a time to honor ancestors by visiting their graves, cleaning tombstones, and making offerings.
6. Grain Rain (谷雨, Gǔ Yǔ) - Around April 20th: Vital rain nourishes the earth, fostering grain and crop growth.
7. Start of Summer (立夏, Lì Xià) - Around May 5th: Summer arrives, prompting the planting of warm-weather crops.
Chinese holiday tradition:
Dragon Boat Festival (端午节, Duān Wǔ Jié): Celebrated with dragon boat races and sticky rice dumplings (zongzi), this holiday commemorates the poet Qu Yuan and falls around the summer solstice.
8. Grain Full (芒种, Máng Zhòng) - Around May 21st: Nature flourishes, grains mature, marking a pivotal period for agriculture.
9. Grain in Ear (小满, Xiǎo Mǎn) - Around June 6th: Grains reach fullness without ripening, as fields burst with vibrant green hues.
10. Summer Solstice (夏至, Xià Zhì) - Around June 21st: Celebrating the year's longest day, heralding the gradual shortening of daylight hours.
11. Slight Heat (小暑, Xiǎo Shǔ) - Around July 7th: Warmth intensifies, prompting strategies for staying cool.
12. Great Heat (大暑, Dà Shǔ) - Around July 22nd: Summer's zenith arrives, requiring caution and hydration.
13. Start of Autumn (立秋, Lì Qiū) - Around August 7th: A herald of autumn, signaling preparations for cooler days.
Chinese holiday tradition:
Qixi Festival (七夕节, Qīxī Jié): Also known as the Chinese Valentine's Day, it celebrates the legendary love story between the Cowherd and Weaver Girl.
14. Limit of Heat (处暑, Chù Shǔ) - Around August 23rd: Waning intense heat, as nature transitions to autumn.
15. White Dew (白露, Bái Lù) - Around September 7th: Dew forms, marking the onset of cooler temperatures.
Chinese holiday tradition:
Mid-Autumn Festival (中秋节, Zhōng Qiū Jié): Also known as the Moon Festival, families gather to enjoy mooncakes and appreciate the full moon's beauty.
Shop our mid-autumn festival collection here and find the perfect Moon Festival gifts for you and your family.
16. Autumnal Equinox (秋分, Qiū Fēn) - Around September 23rd: Balance prevails as day and night share equal time, signifying full autumn.
17. Cold Dew (寒露, Hán Lù) - Around October 8th: Cold dew appears, a precursor to frost.
18. Frost Descent (霜降, Shuāng Jiàng) - Around October 23rd: Frost descends, signaling colder days.
19. Start of Winter (立冬, Lì Dōng) - Around November 7th: Winter begins, prompting preparations for colder weather.
20. Minor Snow (小雪, Xiǎo Xuě) - Around November 22nd: Light snowfall, hinting at winter's arrival.
21. Major Snow (大雪, Dà Xuě) - Around December 7th: Significant snowfall, marking the height of winter.
22. Winter Solstice (冬至, Dōng Zhì) - Around December 21st: Celebrating the year's shortest day, followed by increasing daylight.
23. Minor Cold (小寒, Xiǎo Hán) - Around January 5th: Cold intensifies, but not yet severe.
24. Major Cold (大寒, Dà Hán) - Around January 20th: Winter reaches its peak, with severe cold.
Chinese holiday tradition:
Lunar New Year (春节, Chūn Jié): Also known as Spring Festival, it marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated with various traditions, feasts, and performances.
Each year Chop Suey Club hosts a Lunar New Year party in New York. Visit our events page to get party updates and join us!
Pictured above: Lion Dance Lunar New Year Lego MOC Figures
Minor Solar Terms
Minor Solar Terms bridge transitions between Major Terms, marking subtler shifts in seasons.
Significance and Cultural Connection
Chinese Solar Terms extend beyond measuring time, profoundly impacting various facets of Chinese life:
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Agriculture: Farmers look to these terms for guidance in cultivating the land and reaping abundant harvests, aligning their actions with nature.
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Well-being: Each term imparts health insights, guiding dietary choices and lifestyle adjustments in harmony with nature's rhythm.
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Festivals: Chinese festivals often coincide with Solar Terms, breathing life into cultural traditions and celebrations.
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Philosophy: These terms resonate with the Yin-Yang balance, reflecting harmony in nature and the universe, shaping Chinese philosophical thought.
Chop Suey Club is a Chinese art & design store based in New York City. The products we curate rare a reconciliation of China’s storied past and optimistic future in the present. Read more about Chop Suey Club here.
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