Introduction to the Beginning of Summer solar term, what does the Beginning of Summer represent? What should we eat during the Beginning of Summer?

Introduction to the Beginning of Summer solar term, what does the Beginning of Summer represent? What should we eat during the Beginning of Summer?
The Beginning of Summer is one of the traditional solar terms. So, let’s take a look at the introduction to the Beginning of Summer and what it represents. After February's erratic weather, March has stabilized in all respects. As the saying goes, March is the best time of year. So what are the good days in March of the lunar calendar in 2021? If you want to know more, please visit Mr. Shuimo’s website.

Introduction to the Beginning of Summer

Lixia is one of the 24 solar terms and the first solar term in summer.
The Beginning of Summer solar term falls on May 5-7 of the Gregorian calendar every year. At this time, the handle of the Big Dipper points to the southeast, and the sun's ecliptic longitude reaches 45°. The Beginning of Summer is an important solar term that marks the beginning of the growth season for all things. The almanac states: “When the Big Dipper points to the southeast, it is the beginning of summer. All things grow at this point, hence the name the beginning of summer.” After the beginning of summer, sunshine increases, the temperature gradually rises, thunderstorms increase, and crops enter a stage of vigorous growth.

What does the Beginning of Summer represent?

The Beginning of Summer Festival falls on the Beginning of Summer day.
In ancient times, there was a ritual of "welcoming summer in the southern suburbs and offering sacrifices to the Red Emperor Zhurong" on the day of the Beginning of Summer. In modern times, there is a custom of tasting new food and weighing people among the people. On this day, people roast ripe wheat and barley ears over fire and eat them to enjoy the freshness of the new wheat; or use scales to weigh people to pray for blessings. During the Beginning of Summer Festival, it is strictly forbidden for family members to sit on the doorstep. Many people are accustomed to predicting the year's harvest by the weather on the day of the Beginning of Summer, believing that it would be best if it rained at the Beginning of Summer, otherwise "if it doesn't rain at the Beginning of Summer, the wheat will be dry and the crops will wither" or "if it doesn't rain at the Beginning of Summer, the plows and harrows must be hung high."
The beginning of summer has the following two main meanings.
The meaning of Beginning of Summer Day:
"Almanac": "When the Big Dipper points to the southeast, it is the beginning of summer. All things grow at this point, so it is called the beginning of summer."
The meaning of Beginning of Summer Day:
The Beginning of Summer marks the farewell to spring and the beginning of summer.

What should we eat during the Beginning of Summer?

1. Drink porridge
According to local historical records, in ancient my country, during the "Lixia" solar term every year, people formed the custom of eating porridge and hanging eggs. According to folklore, drinking Lixia porridge on the day of Lixia can ensure a peaceful and healthy year.
2. Eat pasta
Wheat is mostly grown in the north of my country, and the Beginning of Summer is the time when wheat comes into season. Therefore, in most parts of the north, there is a custom of making and eating pasta at the Beginning of Summer to celebrate the wheat harvest. The main types of noodles consumed during the Beginning of Summer include summer pancakes, flatbreads and spring rolls.
3. Drink tea
In Jiangxi, Yangzhou and other places in my country, there is a custom of drinking tea at the beginning of summer. In the hot summer, drinking tea regularly, especially green tea which is cool in nature, can relieve the summer heat and play a role in clearing away heat, relieving summer heat, and promoting diuresis and detoxification.

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