The 24 Solar Terms of the Traditional Chinese Calendar, also known as "二十四节气" in Chinese, are a traditional Chinese method of dividing the year into 24 equal segments based on the changes in the sun's position and natural world. Each term represents a unique period of the year and is named after the predominant weather phenomenon or natural event that occurs during that time.
Here is a brief introduction to the 24 Solar Terms in English:
立春(the Beginning of Spring): The start of the spring season.
雨水(Rain Water): The period when the first rains of the year fall.
惊蛰(Waking of (Hybernating) Insects): The time when hibernating insects wake up.
春分(Spring Equinox; Vernal Equinox): The day when the sun is directly above the equator, marking the beginning of spring and autumn.
清明(Pure Brightness): A festival and a solar term, also known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, commemorating the death of ancestors.
谷雨(Grain Rain): The period when the rain helps the growth of grains.
立夏(the Beginning of Summer): The start of the summer season.
小满(Grain Buds): The stage when grains begin to swell with ripening.
芒种(Grain in Ear): The time when crops like wheat have ripe grains that are ready to be harvested.
夏至(Summer Solstice): The longest day of the year with the most direct sunlight.
小暑(Minor Heat): The beginning of the hot season.
大暑(Major Heat): The hottest period of the year.
立秋(the Beginning of Autumn): The start of the autumn season.
处暑(End of Heat): The time when the hottest weather of the year begins to subside.
白露(White Dew): The first dew of the season, indicating the start of cooler weather.
秋分(Autumn Equinox): The day when the sun is directly above the equator, marking the beginning of autumn and spring.
寒露(Cold Dew): The period when dewdrops are cold and the weather becomes cooler.
霜降(Frost's Descent): The first frost of the season.
立冬(the Beginning of Winter): The start of the winter season.
小雪(Minor Snow): The period when light snow falls.
大雪(Major Snow): The time when heavy snow falls.
冬至(Winter Solstice): The shortest day of the year with the least direct sunlight.
小寒(Minor Cold): The beginning of the cold season.
大寒(Major Cold): The coldest period of the year.
These 24 Solar Terms have been an integral part of traditional Chinese culture for thousands of years, providing a framework for agricultural activities, festivals, and daily life. They reflect the deep connection between the Chinese people and nature, and their significance continues to be recognized and celebrated worldwide.