The 24 solar terms, also known as the Chinese 24 solar terms or the 24 jiéqì, is a traditional system used in East Asia to divide the solar year into 24 parts. Each solar term corresponds to a particular astronomical event or natural phenomenon that occurs during a specific time of the year.
The history of the 24 solar terms can be traced back to ancient China, where they were first documented in the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE). The 24 solar terms were used as a guide for farmers to determine the best time to sow, plant, and harvest crops. Each solar term marked a specific stage in the agricultural cycle, such as the beginning of spring plowing or the time to harvest grains. Over time, the solar terms also became associated with various cultural and social activities, such as festivals, customs, and traditions.
Spring is a season of rebirth and renewal, nature awakens from its slumber and bursts forth with a colorful array of blossoms and blooms. Spring is a symphony of life and energy that fills the world with hope and possibility. In ancient Chinese culture, what solar terms would exist in spring? Now, let’s learn about the solar terms related to the Spring season.
Language Points
lìchūn
立春
“Beginning of Spring” - marks the start of spring in the traditional East Asian calendar. It usually
falls on February 4th or 5th and signifies the end of winter and the beginning of the planting season.
yǔshuǐ
雨水
“Rain Water” - occurs around February 19th or 20th and represents the time when the weather
starts to get warmer and the snow and ice begin to melt, signifying the coming of spring rain.
jīngzhé
惊蛰
“Waking of Insects” - is around March 5th or 6th and marks the awakening of hibernating insects
as the weather starts to warm up.
chūnfēn
春分
“Spring Equinox” - falls on March 20th or 21st and represents the time when the day and night are
of equal length, symbolizing the balance between Yin and Yang.
qīngmíng
清明
“Clear and Bright” - occurs around April 4th or 5th and is a time to pay respects to ancestors and
deceased loved ones, as well as to clean and sweep their graves.
gǔyǔ
谷雨
“Grain Rain” - falls on April 19th or 20th and represents the time when the spring rain nourishes the
crops as they grow, signifying the start of the planting season.
Today, the 24 solar terms remain an important part of East Asian culture and are still widely used for agricultural, cultural, and social activities. They have been recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, and their influence can be seen in many aspects of daily life in East Asia. This is all about the knowledge of 24 solar terms related to spring. If you have any questions or ideas, please leave them in the comment section and tell us!
You May Want to Learn More:
Chinese Culture – 24 Solar Terms: Those Related to Winter Seasons
What Do Chinese Children Sing to Welcome the Coming of Spring?
How Non-Chinese Parents Can Help Kids to Learn Chinese?
