What is the meaning of the solar term from summer solstice?

The summer solstice is the twelfth of the twenty-four solar terms, which generally occurs on June 2 1 or 22 of the Gregorian calendar. The summer solstice is also considered as the longest day and the shortest night in a year, because during the summer solstice, the sun shines directly on the tropical region of the earth, and the phenomena of the longest day and the shortest night appear in the northern and southern hemispheres at the same time. In the past, people often basked in the sun on the day of summer solstice in order to get more sunlight energy and improve their health.

Summer solstice is an important agricultural solar term. At this time, it has entered the summer, the temperature is gradually rising, and the climate is humid, which is suitable for planting crops. In ancient China, the solstice of summer was the beginning of Xia Meng, which meant that it had entered the growing period of crops, and people began to plant a large number of crops such as rice, wheat and vegetables to prepare enough food for one year.

Summer solstice is also an important cultural festival, and people will hold various traditional celebrations on this day. For example, in southern China, people make zongzi, drink calamus wine and hang wormwood to pray for health and safety. In the north, there are folk customs such as dragon boat racing, eating jiaozi and steaming steamed bread. In addition, sacrifices and entertainment activities will be held on the day of summer solstice, which will bring a rich cultural atmosphere and a happy atmosphere.