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China's 24 Solar Terms-Beginning of Autumn
The Beginning of Autumn is the thirteenth solar term of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms and marks the beginning of autumn.
Aug 7th,2025
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The solar terms, established in ancient China as supplementary calendars specifically to guide agricultural activities, represent the accumulated experience and wisdom of the Chinese working people.
The 24 solar terms originated in the Yellow River Basin, were gradually refined during the Warring States Period, and were officially incorporated into the calendar during the Western Han Dynasty. Over time, the connotations and applications of the 24 solar terms have continued to enrich and develop, playing a vital role in agricultural production and influencing people's lifestyles, customs, and culinary culture.
The 24 solar terms are: Beginning of Spring, Rain Water, Awakening of Insects, Spring Equinox, Pure Brightness, Grain Rain, Beginning of Summer, Grain Full, Grain in Ear, Summer Solstice, Lesser Heat, Greater Heat, Beginning of Autumn, End of Heat, White Dew, Autumnal Equinox, Cold Dew, Frost Descent, Beginning of Winter, Light Snow, Heavy Snow, Winter Solstice, Lesser Cold, and Greater Cold.
The Beginning of Autumn, the thirteenth of the twenty-four solar terms, marks the beginning of autumn. The Beginning of Autumn signifies a turning point in the year, with precipitation and humidity decreasing or falling. From the Beginning of Autumn onward, Yang energy gradually recedes, and all things become inward-looking. Along with the Beginning of Spring, the Beginning of Summer, and the Beginning of Winter, the Beginning of Autumn is known as the "Four Beginnings" and is one of the ancient "Four Seasons and Eight Festivals." Autumn is the season for the ripening of grain and the harvest. In ancient times, after the Beginning of Autumn, people would choose an auspicious day to offer sacrifices and thank heaven and ancestors for their blessings, while also trying the newly harvested rice and grain to celebrate their hard work.
In addition, many Beginning of Autumn customs are practiced, including offering sacrifices to the land god, eating autumn melons, putting on weight, and drying food in the sun.
