The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms (节气). It starts from the beginning of Spring and ends with the Greater Cold, moving in cycles. It is still useful today to guide people's lives through special foods, cultural ceremonies and even healthy living tips.
Grain Buds (小满), the 8th solar term of a year, begins on May 21 this year, and ends on June 4. It means that the seeds (种子) from the grain are becoming full. During the Grain Buds, summer harvest is about to begin. A saying about rain during this time mentions, "Heavy rainfall makes the river full." Because of the great increase (增长) in rainfall, rivers are full of water. This is a good time to enjoy fish. It is also a harvest season for fishermen.
Frost's Descent (霜降), the 18th solar term of the year, is the last solar term of autumn. The weather becomes much colder than before and frost begins. The apple is one kind of recommended (推荐的) fruit during Frost's Descent. There are many sayings about apples ' benefits (益处) in China, such as "Eat an apple after meals. Even old men can be as strong as young men."
Minor Cold (小寒) is the 23rd one. For most areas of China, it marks the start of the coldest days of the year and people always start preparing for the Lunar New Year. According to traditional Chinese medicine thoughts, people need to eat food that has more yang (阳) energy to prevent cold from harming their bodies. Another important traditional food for Minor Cold is Laba porridge (腊八粥).
①prepare for the Lunar New Year
②have Laba porridge
③say goodbye to the coldest days
④wear warmer clothes