Beginning of Autumn

Introduction to the Beginning of Autumn



The Beginning of Autumn is the thirteenth solar term among the twenty-four solar terms, marking the beginning of autumn. Every year between August 7 and 9 in the Gregorian calendar, when the sun reaches 135° of the ecliptic longitude, it is the Beginning of Autumn. The Beginning of Autumn is not only a solar term that reflects seasonal changes, but also represents the gradual withdrawal of yang energy and the growth of yin energy in nature, and the beginning of all things from luxuriant growth to maturity and fruition. The Beginning of Autumn is divided into three phases: the first phase is the arrival of cool breezes, the second phase is the appearance of white dew, and the third phase is the chirping of cicadas. These changes herald the arrival of autumn. ‌



Beginning of Autumn Customs

"Eating autumn melons" is a traditional custom in the southern region, and eating more watermelons on the day of the Beginning of Autumn can prevent autumn dryness. "Putting on weight in autumn" is a popular custom among the people, and the weight is weighed to check the changes in weight over the summer, and the body loss in the summer is compensated by "putting on meat". In addition, there is the custom of "drying crops in autumn", which is to use the front and back of the house and the windowsills and roofs of the house to dry crops. This is a way of life for villagers living in mountainous areas.

Health preservation in the beginning of autumn

During the beginning of autumn, people also began to pay attention to health preservation, following the principle of "thin clothes to keep warm", and appropriately adjusting their diet and living habits to adapt to seasonal changes. At this time, foods that nourish yin and clear heat, moisturize dryness and quench thirst, and clear the mind and calm the nerves should be the main focus, such as sesame, honey, white fungus, dairy products and other foods with moisturizing effects, to help the body adapt to the dry climate in autumn.