The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into "24 solar terms". Grain Rain (gu yu), the last term of spring, starts on April 20 and ends on May 4.

Grain Rain originates from the old saying, "Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains," highlighting the critical importance of this period's rainfall for crop growth. It signals the end of cold weather and a rapid rise in temperature. Here are five things that you may not know about Grain Rain.

Key time for agriculture

Grain Rain brings a marked increase in temperature and rainfall, helping grains grow faster and stronger. It's a key time for protecting the crops from pests.

Frequent sandstorms

Grain Rain marks the transition from spring to summer. Late April and early May experience a dramatic rise in temperature, leading to dry soil, an unstable atmosphere, and heavy winds. Gales and sandstorms become more frequent in some regions.

Drinking tea

In southern China, as a tradition, people drink tea on the first day of Grain Rain. Spring tea during Grain Rain is rich in vitamins and amino acids, which help remove heat from the body and are good for the eyes. It is also said that drinking tea on this day can help get rid of bad luck.

Eating 'Toona sinensis'

In northern China, it is tradition to eat the vegetable Toona sinensis during Grain Rain. According to an old Chinese saying, "Toona sinensis 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.

Grain Rain festival

The Grain Rain festival is celebrated by fishing villages in 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 ago, when people believed they owed a good harvest to the gods, who protected them from the stormy seas. People would worship the sea and stage sacrifice rites on the festival, praying for a bountiful harvest and a safe voyage for their loved ones.

Vocabulary

谷雨

gǔ yǔ

Grain Rain

降雨

jiàng yǔ

rainfall

庄稼

zhuāng jia

crops

害虫

hài chóng

pests

沙尘暴

shā chén bào

sandstorm

出海

chū hǎi

set sail

谷雨节气正值春末夏初。

gǔ yǔ jié qì zhèng zhí chūn mò xià chū.

Grain Rain marks the transition between spring and summer.

谷雨时期的降雨对庄稼的生长极为重要。

gǔ yǔ shí qī de jiàng yǔ duì zhuāng jia de shēng zhǎng jí wéi zhòng yào.

Rainfall during the Grain Rain period is crucial for the growth of crops.