导语：The Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear, the 9thsolar term, begins on June 5 this year and ends on June 21.
The Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear, the 9th solar term, begins on June 5 this year and ends on June 21.
The solar terms were created thousands of years ago to guide agricultural production. The arrival of Grain in Ear signifies the ripening of crops such as barley and wheat. It is also a busy period for farmers
The following are five things you need to know about Grain in Ear
An increase inrainfall
Rainfall increasesduring Grain in Ear compared to the previous eight solar terms. Regions in themiddle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are about to enter the Plum Rainsseason.
Pray for goodharvest
An Miao (meaningseedling protection) is a traditional farming activity of southern Anhuiprovince that has been practiced since the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).
Every year whenGrain in Ear comes, they hold the sacrificial ceremony to pray for goodharvests in the fall. People make different types of bread from wheat flour andcolor them with vegetable juice. The bread is used as a sacrificial offering topray for a good harvest and people's safety
Say farewell tothe flora
In ancient China,on the second day of the second lunar month, people welcome the arrival of the Flower Goddess. During Grain in Ear people hold sacrificial ceremonies to bidfarewell to the flora and show their gratitude.
Today, this customdoes not exist in many areas of China. The liveliness and excitement of theceremony can still be seen in the 27th chapter of the Chinese classic novel ADream of Red Mansions by Cao Xue’qin.
Mud wrestling
Youngstersof the Dong people in southeastern Guizhou province hold mud wrestling matchesduring Grain in Ear.On this day newlyweds, accompanied by their goodfriends, plant rice together.
While planting, they throw mud at each other. Atthe end of this activity, whoever has the most mud on them proves they are themost popular person
Have light food
Do not eat greasyor strongly flavored food during Grain in Ear, that's the healthcare advicegiven more than a thousand years ago by Chinese pharmaceutical expert SunSimiao of the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907). Generally, vegetables and coarse grainsthat work in lowering blood pressure and blood fat should be the first choice.
The weather is hotduring the Grain in Ear period, therefore vegetables and fruits of a coolnature are recommended. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theories,they are all cool-natured and can help eliminate heat in the body and promotedigestion.
