Have you ever wondered what the English names of China’s 24 Traditional Solar Terms are? These terms, also known as the Chinese solstices and equinoxes, are an ancient system used to mark the change of seasons and guide agricultural activities. Let’s delve into the English names and their meanings behind these fascinating terms.
1. Spring Equinox (Vernal Equinox)
The Spring Equinox, also known as the Vernal Equinox, is the first solar term of the year. It marks the beginning of spring and occurs around March 21st. In English, it is called the “Vernal Equinox” because it is the time when day and night are approximately equal in length.
2. Pure Brightness (Chunfen)
Following the Spring Equinox is the solar term known as Pure Brightness or Chunfen. This term occurs around April 5th and symbolizes the warming of the weather and the rapid growth of plants. In English, it is simply called “Chunfen.”
3. Grain in Ear (Qingming)
Grain in Ear, or Qingming, is the fourth solar term of the year and typically falls around April 20th. During this time, farmers begin to harvest the grains they planted earlier in the season. In English, it is known as “Grain in Ear.”
4. Grain in Bin (Bingyu)
The solar term Grain in Bin, or Bingyu, comes after Grain in Ear. It occurs around May 6th and signifies that the grains have been harvested, and farmers are storing them. In English, it is called “Grain in Bin.”
5. Summer Solstice (Longest Day)
The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year and falls around June 21st. In English, it is simply known as the “Summer Solstice.”
6. Minor Heat (Xiaoshu)
Minor Heat is the solar term that follows the Summer Solstice and occurs around July 7th. It signifies the start of the hot summer season. In English, it is called “Minor Heat.”
7. Great Heat (Xiaoman)
Great Heat, or Xiaoman, is the next solar term, occurring around July 23rd. It marks the peak of the summer heat and is the time when temperatures are at their highest. In English, it is known as “Great Heat.”
8. Begonia Flowering (Chushu)
Begonia Flowering, or Chushu, is the solar term that comes after Great Heat. It occurs around August 8th and signifies the blooming of begonia flowers. In English, it is simply called “Begonia Flowering.”
9. Ear-Cropping (Liangshan)
Ear-Cropping, or Liangshan, is the next solar term and takes place around August 23rd. It is named after the ear of wheat that is harvested during this time. In English, it is called “Ear-Cropping.”
10. White Dew (Baisha)
White Dew, or Baisha, is the solar term that occurs around September 8th. It signifies the appearance of dew on the ground, and the weather begins to cool down. In English, it is known as “White Dew.”
11. Cold Dew (Hanxia)
Cold Dew, or Hanxia, is the solar term that follows White Dew and takes place around September 23rd. It marks the beginning of the cold season, and temperatures start to drop. In English, it is called “Cold Dew.”
12. Frost’s Advance (Shuangjiang)
Frost’s Advance, or Shuangjiang, is the next solar term and occurs around October 8th. It signifies the early arrival of frost and the start of winter. In English, it is known as “Frost’s Advance.”
13. Heavy Snow (Dongbing)
Heavy Snow, or Dongbing, is the solar term that follows Frost’s Advance and takes place around October 23rd. It indicates the beginning of heavy snowfall and the deepening of winter. In English, it is called “Heavy Snow.”
14. Winter Solstice (Shortest Day)
The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year and falls around December 21st. In English, it is simply known as the “Winter Solstice.”
15. Minor Cold (Xiaokang)
Minor Cold, or Xiaokang, is the solar term that follows the Winter Solstice and occurs around January 5th. It signifies the beginning of the cold season. In English, it is called “Minor Cold.”
16. Major Cold (Dongkang)
Major Cold, or Dongkang, is the next solar term and takes place around January 20th. It marks the deepening of winter, with temperatures dropping even lower. In English, it is known as “Major Cold.”
17. Sun’s Return (Chunwan)
Sun’s Return, or Chunwan, is the solar term that occurs around February 4th. It signifies the return of the sun and the beginning of spring. In English, it is called “Sun’s Return.”
18. Rain Water (Yushui)
Rain Water, or Yushui, is the next solar term and takes place around February 18th. It marks the beginning of the rainy season and the time when seeds are planted. In English, it is known as “Rain Water.”
19. Waking of Insects (Chongchun)
Waking of Insects, or Chongchun, is the solar term that follows Rain Water and occurs around March 5th. It signifies the awakening of insects and the start of spring. In English, it is called “Waking of Insects.”
Conclusion
The 24 Traditional Solar Terms are an integral part of Chinese culture and agriculture. These terms provide a detailed and accurate way to track the changing seasons and guide agricultural activities. Understanding their English names and meanings can help us appreciate the rich history and wisdom behind this ancient system.