Embracing the Heat: Exploring the Significance of Dàshǔ   As the sweltering heat of summer peaks, we find ourselves in the midst of the traditional Chinese solar term known as Dàshǔ. Dàshǔ, which translates to "great heat," marks the hottest period of the year. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of Dàshǔ and how it is perceived in Chinese culture. Historical and Cultural Background: Dàshǔ is one of the twenty-four solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar system. It has been observed and celebrated for thousands of years, tracing its roots back to ancient agricultural practices. During Dàshǔ, farmers would pay close attention to the weather, predicting the rainfall and ensuring the success of their crops.   Symbolism and Traditional Customs: Dàshǔ holds great significance in Chinese culture, representing the transition from summer to autumn. It is believed that during this period, the yang energy (associated with heat and brightness) peaks before gradually declining. To balance this energy, people engage in various customs such as consuming cooling foods, practicing exercises like Qigong, and wearing light-colored clothing.   Health and Well-being: In Chinese medicine, Dàshǔ is considered a critical time for health preservation. Traditional practices emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced body and mind during this heatwave. People are advised to stay hydrated, consume foods with cooling properties, avoid excessive outdoor activities during peak hours, and take additional precautions to prevent heatstroke.   Festivals and Celebrations: Dàshǔ is also associated with several festivals and celebrations across China. One of the most prominent is the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu Festival), which usually falls around this time. During this festival, people participate in dragon boat races, make and consume sticky rice dumplings (zongzi), and hang up pouches of herbs to ward off evil spirits.   Nature and the Environment: Dàshǔ is not only a human experience but also a time of change and adaptation in nature. This solar term is accompanied by the lush growth of vegetation, the blooming of flowers, and the buzzing of insects. It is a reminder of the interconnection between humans and the natural world, highlighting the importance of environmental preservation.   Dàshǔ is more than just a scorching period; it is a significant part of Chinese culture and heritage. It teaches us about the harmony between humans and nature, the importance of balance, and the need to adapt to changing seasons. As we embrace the heat of Dàshǔ, let us reflect on the wisdom and traditions passed down through generations, appreciating the lessons it brings. Note: The translation of Dàshǔ as "big heat" is an approximation, as the term encompasses a broader meaning in Chinese culture.

International Children's Day International Children's Day, a traditional Chinese holiday and a United Nations-defined holiday for children around the world, is held on June 1 every year. On this day, students get a break from school and many parents buy gifts for their children, take them to amusement parks or participate in other forms of celebration. The significance of this holiday is to remind all sectors of society to pay attention to children's issues, to care about their healthy growth, education and rights, and to strengthen the protection and improvement of their living environment and quality of life.   International Children's Day is a very special holiday, and there are many interesting activities that can be arranged to make it a pleasant holiday for children, such as   Parent-child games: Parent-child game competitions can be organized, such as hide-and-seek, rope skipping, tug-of-war, etc.   Painting competitions: Painting competitions can be organized to let children show their creativity and imagination.   Book club: A book club can be organized for children to share their favorite books and enhance their interest in reading.   Handicraft: Handicraft activities can be organized, such as making paper pinwheels, origami, bracelets, etc.   Children's performances: Children's performances can be organized for children to show their talents, such as singing, dancing, reciting, etc.   Family picnics: Family picnics can be organized for children to enjoy the beauty of nature with their families.   All these activities can make children spend a meaningful and interesting June 1 Children's Day.

Grain Buds   The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain Buds, the 8th solar term of a year, begins on May 20 this year. It means that the seeds from the grain are becoming full but are not ripe.   In China, the 24 solar terms were created thousands of years ago to guide agricultural production. But the solar term culture is still useful today to guide people’s lives through special foods, cultural ceremonies, gardening and even healthy living tips that correspond with each solar term. Let’s see what we can do during the “Grain Buds” period.   A good season for eating fish During the Grain Buds period, the summer harvest is about to begin. A saying about rain during this time mentions, “A heavy rainfall makes the river full.” Because of the great increase in rainfall, rivers are full of water, which makes fish and shrimp big and fat. This is a good time to eat fish and shrimp. It is also harvest season for fishermen.   A good season for eating mulberries A Chinese farmer proverb says, “Mulberries become black during the Grain Buds period.” Thus it is a good season to eat mulberries.   Tips on health preserving in Grain Buds High temperatures and humidity are common during the Grain Buds period. The increase in temperature over this season may also give rise to sweat spots, and other skin diseases. It is also important to exercise to keep healthy during the hot summer days. Walking, jogging and practicing tai chi is popular.   Celebrating silkworm deity birthday Silkworm rearing is a traditional byproduct for people in regions south of the Yangtze River. During the Grain Buds season, silkworms have cocooned. People begin to cook cocoons and prepare the spinning wheel for reeling silk.   People in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces regard this season as the birthday of the silkworm deity.   Those who engage in the silk industry thank the deity by offering sacrifices and staging performances. They pray to the deity for blessings and a boom season for the silk business.