The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms(节气). Grain Rain (谷雨) is one of them. It started on April 20th this year.
Grain Rain falls between the end of spring and the beginning of summer. | There is an old custom(风 俗) in southern China:People drink tea during Grain Rain. It's said that spring tea during Grain Rain is good for the eyes. It is also said that drinking tea on this day will keep you away from bad luck. |
People in northern China have the tradition of eating the vegetable—Chinese toon(香椿) during Grain Rain. The vegetable is good for the stomach. | Grain Rain is celebrated(被庆祝) in some fishing villages in northern China. Rain marks the start of the fishermen's first voyage(航行) of the year. The custom dates back to more than 2,000 years ago. |