In early spring, the changing temperature usually makes a number of Chinese people uncomfortable. Cold air, bringing rain or even s , easily tears up (破坏) the warmth of the spring within a night.
However, with the c of Guyu—the Grain Rain, the blue sky and gentle winds would finally stay. Falling usually on or around April 20 every year, Guyu is the sixth of the 24 solar terms. It means the b of a lively summer and people get busy from now on.
Sow grains
This is an important period of the growth of grains. The ancient Chinese a knew that as Guyu comes, the weather will become warm e for sowing. The farmers usually catch the chance to plant rice, corn and beans.
Hope for safety and harvest
For those living near the sea, they will hold some ceremonies (仪式) on Guyu, hoping for safety as well as h during the coming fishing season.
Watch the peony
It's also a great time to see the peony, which is known as "the Queen of All Flowers"in Chinese culture. As a result, watching peonies becomes one of the most enjoyable a for many people. The flower is said to be the favourite of Empress (女皇) Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, who was the only woman ruler in Chinese h.
Pick tea leaves
Tea leaves picked b Guyu are among the best tea leaves. People believe that the tea leaves picked on the day of Guyu can make eyes clear and drive away bad l. So the habit of drinking tea at this time of a year has become a tradition in some places of China.
