How Can China’s 24 Solar Terms Benefit Southeast Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East?
Part 1: The Arrival of Frost’s Descent – An Introduction to China’s 24 Solar Terms
On October 23, 2024, Frost’s Descent (霜降), one of China’s 24 solar terms, will arrive. Frost’s Descent marks the 18th solar term of the year and symbolizes the onset of deep autumn. For those living in temperate regions of China, it is not just a sign of cooling weather but a cue that winter is fast approaching. This period brings with it the end of autumn’s warmth, the fall of leaves, and the quiet preparation of nature for winter.
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| https://unsplash.com/photos/a-close-up-of-a-plant-with-frost-on-it-GughPKhP_7k |
The Origins and Background of the 24 Solar Terms
The 24 solar terms date back over 3,000 years to China’s ancient agricultural civilization, specifically in the Yellow River basin. The ancient Chinese carefully observed the sun’s movement throughout the year and found a clear relationship between seasonal changes, climate, and the growth of crops. To better guide agricultural practices, they divided the year into 24 equal parts, with each solar term representing about 15 days, marking important shifts in the weather. Over time, these solar terms became ingrained in the daily lives of Chinese people, influencing not only agricultural activities but also traditional customs and festivals.
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| Pexels SHEEP Y图片: https://www.pexels.com/zh-cn/photo/27579499/ |
Traditional Customs and Cultural Significance of Frost’s Descent
As the last solar term of autumn, Frost’s Descent signals the final farewell to the season and the imminent arrival of winter. In northern China, farmers typically complete their autumn harvest and begin storing grain in preparation for the harsh cold. In southern China, while the climate remains relatively mild, people also begin preparing winter supplies.
One of the most charming traditions during Frost’s Descent is eating persimmons, particularly in southern provinces like Fujian, Guangdong, and Hunan. According to folklore, eating persimmons during Frost’s Descent can help ward off colds and strengthen the body. In northern regions, a bowl of lamb soup is common, believed to boost warmth and vitality in preparation for winter. In rural areas, people also hold rituals to thank the earth for its bountiful harvest and pray for good fortune in the coming year.
Changes in Clothing During Frost’s Descent
As temperatures drop during Frost’s Descent, traditional Chinese wisdom emphasizes preparing for winter. In northern regions, this is the time when people begin to wear thicker clothing, such as cotton-padded jackets and wool sweaters, to fend off the cold. In rural China, families might still follow the tradition of making new winter coats for their children, symbolizing care and warmth passed down through generations. The transition in attire mirrors the natural progression of the seasons, reflecting a close relationship between human habits and the rhythms of nature.
Through the example of Frost’s Descent, we can see the richness of Chinese culture and its deep connection with nature’s cycles. The 24 solar terms serve as both a scientific guide to agricultural production and a cultural cornerstone, reminding us of the wisdom of living in harmony with nature.
Part 2: Can China’s 24 Solar Terms Offer Global Value?
China’s 24 solar terms are not just a piece of traditional culture but also a highly scientific system that guides people in living and working in sync with the environment. Have you ever wondered if this ancient time-keeping system could also offer insights or practical benefits to other regions around the world? From the tropics of Southeast Asia to the dry deserts of the Middle East, and from the rainforests of Africa to the grasslands of Latin America, could these solar terms provide useful guidance for people living in vastly different climates? Let’s explore the possibilities, sparking curiosity and drawing connections between China’s wisdom and global living patterns.
Southeast Asia: Monsoon Cycles Meet the Solar TermsPexels Pixabay图片: https://www.pexels.com/zh-cn/photo/oke-235731/
Southeast Asia, with its tropical and subtropical climate, is largely governed by the monsoon seasons—rainy and dry periods that dictate agricultural activity. While the frost in “Frost’s Descent” is unheard of here, some of the other solar terms may have relevance. For example, solar terms like Grain Rain (谷雨) and Lesser Fullness of Grain (小满) mark the arrival of seasonal rains in China. In Southeast Asia, these terms could align with the arrival of the monsoons, especially in rice-producing countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, where rice cultivation depends heavily on timely rains.
Vietnam, in particular, which has strong cultural ties to China, may find resonance with the 24 solar terms in its agricultural calendar. While Southeast Asia doesn’t experience the four distinct seasons of temperate zones, solar terms like Grain in Ear (芒种), which signals the optimal time for planting crops in China, might coincide with the rice planting seasons triggered by the monsoon rains.
In this way, the solar terms, though originally designed for China’s unique climate, could be adapted to align with Southeast Asia’s wet and dry cycles, offering new ways to view agricultural timelines.
Africa: Rainy and Dry Seasons Mirror Solar Term Cycleshttps://unsplash.com/photos/five-elephants-on-brown-grass-uZqJVqwFxMQ
Africa’s diverse climate ranges from the Mediterranean coasts of North Africa to the expansive deserts of the Sahara and the tropical rainforests of Central Africa. In many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, agricultural practices revolve around the alternation between rainy and dry seasons. While the concept of “frost” doesn’t apply here, certain solar terms could still provide meaningful guidance.
In countries like Kenya and Tanzania, the arrival of the rainy season is critical for agriculture, much like the solar terms of Grain Rain and Start of Spring (立春) in China. These regions, much like China, depend on accurate timing to ensure crops like maize and beans are planted at the right moment to catch the first rains. While Africa lacks China’s four-season structure, the solar terms can still be used to mark periods of significant climate shifts, providing a reference for when to sow or harvest.
In South Africa, where the climate is temperate and more akin to that of China’s, solar terms such as Winter Solstice (冬至) and Summer Solstice (夏至) might have even more direct parallels. These terms could serve as reminders of seasonal changes, similar to how they guide agricultural activities in China.
Latin America: From Tropical Rainforests to Temperate GrasslandsPexels Amanda Kerr图片: https://www.pexels.com/zh-cn/photo/90597/
Latin America is home to a wide variety of climates, from the humid rainforests of Brazil to the temperate grasslands of Argentina and Chile. In regions like Mexico and Central America, the climate resembles that of southern China, with noticeable seasonal changes. Here, the solar terms could play a role in guiding agricultural activities similar to how they function in China.
For instance, in Argentina, the agricultural cycle for crops like wheat and corn follows a schedule that mirrors China’s, with spring planting and autumn harvesting. Solar terms like Spring Equinox (春分) and Autumn Equinox (秋分) could serve as valuable reference points for Latin American farmers. Although the seasons are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere, the underlying concept of aligning agricultural practices with the natural rhythms of the earth remains relevant.
In the tropical regions of Brazil, particularly the Amazon, the solar terms related to rain—such as Grain Rain—may hold significance as they align with the shifting wet and dry seasons. Brazil’s vast agriculture, especially its soybean production, could benefit from incorporating the solar terms as a way to better understand the timing of seasonal rains.
Middle East: Deserts and Oases in Tune with Solar Rhythmshttps://unsplash.com/photos/a-man-with-a-camel-in-the-desert-sGStoIoQDzE
The Middle East, dominated by arid desert climates, has long depended on irrigation and oasis farming to sustain its agriculture. While the 24 solar terms were developed in a region with abundant seasonal variation, there are still some terms that could hold relevance for Middle Eastern countries.
In countries like Turkey and Israel, which experience a Mediterranean climate, solar terms like Vernal Equinox and Autumnal Equinox can serve as markers for transitions in sunlight and temperature, guiding the growth cycles of crops like olives, grapes, and citrus fruits. While frost may not be a concern, the subtle shifts in temperature and daylight can have a significant impact on agricultural yields.
In Saudi Arabia, where agriculture is heavily reliant on irrigation in oases, solar terms like Greater Cold (大寒) and Lesser Heat (小暑) may not apply directly. However, the idea of using solar terms to anticipate key climate changes, such as the gradual increase in daylight after the winter solstice, can still offer insights into optimizing irrigation schedules and preparing for temperature extremes.
Part 3: Bridging Cultures – The Global Significance of China’s 24 Solar Terms
As we’ve explored, while China’s 24 solar terms were designed for its unique climate and agricultural needs, their underlying wisdom offers global relevance. Whether it’s the rice fields of Southeast Asia, the maize plantations of Africa, the wheat farms of Latin America, or the oasis gardens of the Middle East, the solar terms provide a structured way of observing and responding to nature’s rhythms. They remind us that no matter where we are in the world, we share a common relationship with the earth.
The 24 solar terms teach us the value of living in harmony with the environment—something that resonates deeply in today’s world, where climate change is a pressing issue. Whether it's the monsoons of Southeast Asia, the dry seasons of Africa, or the unpredictable weather patterns of Latin America and the Middle East, we are all subject to the whims of nature. By borrowing from ancient wisdom and combining it with modern science, we can better prepare for the challenges ahead.
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it is crucial to remember that we all live on the same planet. The impact of environmental degradation in one part of the world will inevitably ripple across to others. Just as the solar terms guided Chinese farmers in the past, today they serve as a reminder of our shared responsibility to care for the earth.
At DODO Bird, we believe in fostering a sustainable future through practices that respect both people and the planet. We invite everyone, no matter where they are in the world, to join us in safeguarding the earth’s natural resources. By working together, we can ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the beauty and bounty of nature—just as the 24 solar terms have guided us for millennia.
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