The Origin and Customs of the 24 Solar Terms

The 24 Solar Terms is an ancient Chinese method of dividing time to indicate climate changes and agricultural activities during the year. Its origin can be traced back to the farming society of ancient China, and was designed to help farmers rationalize their farming activities.

The origins and customs of the 24 Solar Terms are related to the changing position of the sun. The sun's passage through the ecliptic opposite the earth produces different astronomical phenomena, which in turn affect the climate and crop growth. So the division of the twenty-four solar terms is based on the changes in the position of the sun directly above the earth.

In the twenty-four solar terms, there are some with special customs and celebrations. For example:

Spring Festival: The first day of the first month of the lunar calendar is the traditional Chinese New Year. There are unique celebrations such as setting off firecrackers, posting spring couplets, dragon and lion dances, and enjoying lanterns.

Ching Ming Festival: Around the fourth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar, it is the day of ancestor sweeping. People will go to cemeteries to pay tribute to their ancestors and clean up their graves, and some outdoor activities, such as trekking and swinging on swings, will be held after the festival.

Duanwu Festival: On the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, it is also known as the Dragon Boat Festival. There are traditional activities such as dragon boat races and eating zongzi.

Mid-Autumn Festival: The 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, also known as the Mooncake Festival. People will enjoy the moon, eat mooncakes, and there are some moon related activities, such as worshipping the moon and playing puzzle solving games.

The above are just some examples of the customs of the festivals, and there are also some special customs and celebrations in different regions corresponding to each festival. These customs and activities enrich traditional Chinese culture and are the cultural memories and life experiences that people **** with.