Solar term ‘Chushu’ arrives, a time to enjoy the end of heat and nourish the lungs

Chushu, the 14th of the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar, fell on Thursday. Meaning the "end of heat," the term gives hope to people in areas suffering from intense summer temperatures.

Tourists cool off by the sea at the Wanpingkou scenic area in Rizhao, East China's Shandong Province, on August 22, 2024. Photo: VCG

After Chushu, the climate starts to become dry and temperatures change drastically. This can lead to sore throats and dryness, making it essential to take measures to prevent pharyngitis. 

Chushubegins when the sun reaches 150 degrees of ecliptic longitude. By this time, the hottest days of the year, known as Sanfu or dog days, are either ending or are winding down. 

Ancient Chinese people divided the Chushuperiod into three pentads: in the first pentad, eagles, treated as a type of sacrificial bird, were hunted and displayed as sacrificial offering before being served as dishes; the second pentad saw plants beginning to wither; while the third marked the maturation of grains. 

During the period of Chushu, the northeast and northwest regions of China start to cool down, while the Jianghuai area might experience heavy rainfall. 

After Chushu, the cooling effect is noticeable especially in the morning and evening, with each rain bringing a little more relief from the summer heat. 

Experts suggest that consuming less spicy and stimulating food, eating more vitamin-rich fresh vegetables and fruits, avoiding to stay up late and exercising appropriately are all valid ways to boost the body's immunity during Chushu.

Folk customs include adding duck to one's diet as duck is believed to be particularly nutritious after mid-July of the lunar calendar. Having duck is believed to replenish yin and benefit the blood, cooling down the body and strengthening the spleen at the same time.

Suanmeitang, or sour plum drink, is highly recommended to combat dryness. In North China, the drink is mostly made of hawthorn, while in the south of the Yangtze River, dried dark plum is used. 

This solar term coincides with the harvest season. Ancient farmers worshiped the Land God, praying for good weather and a bumper harvest. 

In coastal areas, Chushualso signals the start of the fishing season. Since 1998, China has celebrated the Fishing Festival, acknowledging its rich fishing culture. More and more people are aware of respecting oceans by celebrating this festival. This festival marks the end of the fishing moratorium in the East China Sea. The coastal areas of Zhejiang Province celebrate new fishing season and diners to enjoy a wide variety of seafood.


Global Times

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