Guyu, or Grain Rain, is the sixth solar term according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, making it the last term of spring. The term usually arrives around April 19-21.
The Grain Rain signals the end of cold weather and a rapid rise in temperature. It originates from the old saying, “Rain brings the growth of hundreds of grains,” which shows that this period of rainfall is crucial for crops. Grain Rain brings a marked increase in temperature and rainfall. It’s an important time to protect plants from insects and other pests.
In southern China, people traditionally drink tea on the day of Grain Rain. Spring tea during Grain Rain is rich in vitamins and amino acids (氨基酸), which can help to remove heat from the body and is good for the eyes. Drinking tea on this day is also said to prevent bad luck. People in northern China traditionally eat Chinese toon (香椿), a leafy vegetable native to eastern and southeastern Asia, during Grain Rain. An old Chinese saying goes “Chinese toon before the rain is as tender as silk.” The vegetable is nutritious and can help to strengthen the immune system. It is also good for the stomach and skin.
The Grain Rain Festival is celebrated in fishing villages across the coastal areas of northern China. Grain Rain marks the start of the fishermen’s first voyage of the year. The custom dates back more than 2,000 years, when people believed they owed a good yield to the gods, who protected them from stormy seas. People would worship the sea and make sacrifices during the Grain Rain Festival, praying for a good harvest and the safe return of loved ones.
Guyu also sees the bloom of the peony (牡丹), which is known as the “Queen of All Flowers” in Chinese culture. As a result, many people go out to admire the local peonies. In Shandong, Henan and Sichuan, there are even festivals to appreciate the beauty of the peony when Guyu falls.
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