The 'Twenty-Four Solar Terms' is a supplementary calendar formulated in ancient China based on the changes in the position of the sun on the ecliptic. It divides the year into twenty-four periods by observing changes in nature, with each solar term approximately fifteen years apart. sky. This method of division can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, but the specific names and order were gradually determined in the Han Dynasty.
The formation of the "Twenty-Four Solar Terms" not only reflects the ancient Chinese people's profound understanding of astronomy, meteorology and agricultural production, but also reflects the harmonious and symbiotic relationship between man and nature. These solar terms are closely related to agricultural production, and they provide farmers with scientific basis for planting, harvesting, storage and other agricultural activities. For example, the 'beginning of spring' marks the beginning of spring and is a good time for sowing; the 'summer solstice' is the time of the year with the longest day and the shortest night, which is a period of vigorous growth of crops; the 'autumn equinox' means the official start of autumn. It is the harvest season; and the 'Winter Solstice' is the time of the year with the longest night and shortest day. People eat dumplings, drink glutinous rice balls, etc. on this day to celebrate the arrival of winter and pray for a good harvest in the coming year.
In addition to its impact on agricultural production, the "Twenty-Four Solar Terms" are also closely connected with people's lives. Each solar term has its own specific customs and activities, such as sweeping tombs and worshiping ancestors during the Qingming Festival, dragon boat racing and eating rice dumplings during the Dragon Boat Festival, etc. These customs and activities not only enrich people's cultural life, but also deepen people's recognition of traditional culture. and inheritance. "
