1. Origin of the Chushu Solar Term
The twenty-four solar terms are a temporal knowledge system and its corresponding practices developed by the Chinese people. By observing the sun's annual motion, the Chinese have formed an understanding of the laws governing celestial phenomena, phenology, seasons, and natural changes. This system is known as China's "fifth great invention".In 2006, "the twenty-four Solar Terms of the Lunar Calendar" was approved by the State Council and included in the first batch of the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Representative Projects List."The twenty-four Solar Terms – a temporal knowledge system and its practices developed by the Chinese people through observing the sun's annual motion" was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
The term "Chushu" has a long history. It first appeared in Guoyu (Discourses of the States), clearly referred the changes of temperature. In the Western Han Dynasty, Huainanzi·Astronomical Training explicitly included "Chushu" in the twenty-four solar terms.
2. Traditional Customs of Chushu Solar Term
Ancestor worship and autumn
The 15th day of the seventh lunar month is a folk festival in early autumn for celebrating harvests and giving thanks to the earth. During this time, many crops ripen.People worship their ancestors, offering newly harvested rice and other produce as sacrifices to inform their ancestors of the autumn harvest.
Eating Duck
"Duck in the middle of July, taro in the middle of August"-the ancients believed that duck in the middle of the seventh lunar month was the most plump and nutritious. On the day of the End of Heat, Beijingers would buy End of Heat Lily Duck. In Jiangsu province, a bowl of prepared duck would be given to neighbors, coined the saying, "Giving duck during the End of Heat keeps every household healthy."
River lanterns
River lanterns typically consist of a light or candle placed on a base. Around the time of the Beginning of Heat, folk celebrations of the Ghost Festival, commonly known as the "Mid-Autumn Festival" or the "Ghost Festival," involve releasing river lanterns into the water and letting them drift, expressing remembrance for the deceased and praying for safety.
3. Daily Living and Health Preservation
Chushu is a solar term that reflects changes in temperature. In southern China, hot weather often returns towards the end of Chushu – this is the so-called "Autumn Tiger" (a period of lingering summer heat after Chushu). During Chushu, although daytime temperatures remain high, the temperature drops significantly in the morning and evening, creating a large daily temperature difference. People should take precautions against catching a cold.
In Terms of Diet
After the Beginning of Heat, sweating decreases significantly, and water and salt metabolism gradually returns to balance, entering a period of physiological rest and recovery. This can lead to fatigue and the development of "autumn fatigue." To alleviate this, ensure adequate sleep, go to bed and rise early, and avoid staying up late. Maintain a light diet, consuming foods such as tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, grapes, and pears.
In Terms of Exercise
After the Beginning of Heat, autumn deepens, making it a perfect time to enjoy the countryside, admire the autumn scenery, and climb mountains for panoramic views. Autumn activities include brisk walking, hiking, and playing ball. For seniors, exercise should be done without feeling tired. It's best to exercise in the morning and evening. Avoid outdoor activities during the afternoon, as the weather outside can still be hot.
