The 24 Solar Terms (二十四节气, Èrshísì Jiéqì)

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publisher: zeeyo

Issue Time: Jul 21,2025

Summary

The 24 Solar Terms are a traditional Chinese calendar system that divides the year into 24 periods based on the sun's position and seasonal changes. Developed in ancient China, they reflect agricultural cycles, weather patterns, and cultural practices.

Key Features:

Solar-Based – Aligns with the sun’s movement (unlike lunar calendars).

Agricultural Guide – Helps farmers plan planting/harvesting (e.g., "Grain Rain" signals rain for crops).

Cultural Significance – Linked to festivals (e.g., Winter Solstice is a family reunion day).

The 24 Solar Terms List:

Season Solar Term (Chinese) Approx. Date Meaning

Spring Lìchūn (立春) Feb 3–5 "Start of Spring"

Yǔshuǐ (雨水) Feb 18–20 "Rain Water"

Jīngzhé (惊蛰) Mar 5–7 "Awakening of Insects"

Chūnfēn (春分) Mar 20–21 "Spring Equinox" (equal day/night)

Qīngmíng (清明) Apr 4–6 "Clear and Bright" (Tomb-Sweeping Day)

Gǔyǔ (谷雨) Apr 19–21 "Grain Rain" (ideal for sowing)

Summer Lìxià (立夏) May 5–7 "Start of Summer"

Xiǎomǎn (小满) May 20–22 "Grain Buds" (crops fill)

Mángzhǒng (芒种) Jun 5–7 "Grain in Ear" (wheat harvest)

Xiàzhì (夏至) Jun 21–22 "Summer Solstice" (longest day)

Xiǎoshǔ (小暑) Jul 6–8 "Minor Heat"

Dàshǔ (大暑) Jul 22–24 "Major Heat" (hottest time)

Autumn Lìqiū (立秋) Aug 7–9 "Start of Autumn"

Chùshǔ (处暑) Aug 22–24 "End of Heat"

Báilù (白露) Sep 7–9 "White Dew" (cooler mornings)

Qiūfēn (秋分) Sep 22–24 "Autumn Equinox" (equal day/night)

Hánlù (寒露) Oct 8–9 "Cold Dew"

Shuāngjiàng (霜降) Oct 23–24 "Frost’s Descent"

Winter Lìdōng (立冬) Nov 7–8 "Start of Winter"

Xiǎoxuě (小雪) Nov 22–23 "Minor Snow"

Dàxuě (大雪) Dec 6–8 "Major Snow"

Dōngzhì (冬至) Dec 21–23 "Winter Solstice" (longest night)

Xiǎohán (小寒) Jan 5–7 "Minor Cold"

Dàhán (大寒) Jan 20–21 "Major Cold" (chilliest time)