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The 24 Solar Terms
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AT the end of last month, the 24 Solar Terms, an ancient Chinese almanac based on the sun’s position in the zodiac, became China’s 39th entry on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This is because the “traditional Chinese calendar which has provably influenced the people’s way of thinking and code of conduct continues to be an important carrier of Chinese cultural identity,” said Yonas Desta, chairman of the evaluation body.
The 24 Solar Terms, known in Chinese as ershisi jieqi, is also widely considered China’s “fifth great invention” after paper-making, printing, gunpowder and the compass.
The Chinese term of jieqi first appeared in historical records in the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), ancient Chinese began to use tugui, or a type of sundial, for determining the four solar terms of winter solstice, summer solstice, vernal equinox and autumnal equinox.
Also, Chinese farmers began to adopt the rule of “seeding in spring, growing in summer, harvesting in autumn and storing in winter.”
About 300 years later, the complete system of the 24 Solar Terms was established. In 104 BC, it was officially included in the Chinese calendar as a guide for agricultural production during the four seasons; particularly in areas along the Yellow River in central China, which is known as the cradle of Chinese civilization.
Besides its role as a guide for farming, many solar terms have become part of Chinese customs and culture over the centuries.
For instance, the period of Qingming — or “Clear and Bright” — includes an important traditional festival called Tomb-Sweeping Day. Since ancient times, the day, which usually falls on April 4, 5 or 6, has been designated for sweeping tombs and honoring one’s ancestors and deceased relatives.
It is also a time for spring outings, which is called taqing in Chinese, meaning literally “stepping on the green.”
Now, Tomb-Sweeping Day is also a national holiday.
The solar term system has a great impact on people’s lives today. Many follow it to decide what they should eat, wear or do.
It is not uncommon for an elder to remind family members to put on long sleeves during Bailu or “White Dew” period, as the traditional Chinese saying goes “bailu shen bulu,” or “when Bailu comes, one should not expose their body anymore.”
Children in particular welcome the Beginning of Winter because it’s a time to eat dumplings as well as many other tasty foods, such as fish, chicken and duck.
Some of China’s neighbors, such as Vietnam, South Korea and Japan, also adopted the 24 Solar Terms long ago.
With its inscription on the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Chinese government has vowed to elevate protection of this ancient tradition and integral part of Chinese cultural identity.
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