The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Major Heat, the 12th solar term of the year, begins this year on July 23 and ends August 6. During Major Heat, most parts of China enter the hottest season of the year. The following are some things you should know about Major Heat.
A season of harvesting and planting
During Major Heat, the sunshine, high temperatures, and heavy rainfall are good for agricultural crops. But like Minor Heat, many natural calamities such as floods, droughts and typhoons also happen during Major Heat. Therefore, it's important to harvest and plant in time to avoid setbacks caused by natural disasters.
Sending the Major Heat ship
The ship is filled with various animals for sacrifice such as pigs, sheep, chicken, fish, and shrimps. More than 50 fishermen take turns carrying the ship as they march through the streets. Drums are played and fireworks are lit. Both sides of the street are filled with people praying for blessings. After a series of ceremonies, the ship is finally carried to the wharf. Then, the ship is pulled out of the fishing port and burned at sea. People carry out this ritual to pray for good harvests and health.
Eating litchi and Mizao
On the day of Major Heat, there is a custom of eating litchi, Mizao in Putian, Fujian province, as a celebration of Major Heat. Litchi is a nutritious fruit containing glucose and vitamins. People usually soak litchi in cold well water first and eat it. Mizao is made of fermented rice. On the day of Major Heat, people cook them with brown sugar.
Do you know any other customs about Major Heat?
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