EN
Start of Autumn is the thirteenth solar term in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, and it is also the first solar term that officially kicks off the autumn season. It carries the gentle transition from the blazing heat of summer to the cool tranquility of autumn, recording the most subtle and beautiful changes of nature throughout the year. Unlike the intense heat of midsummer or the bleak cold of late autumn, Start of Autumn represents a state of gentle transformation. The scorching heat gradually fades, the wind becomes soft, and all things in nature begin to usher in a cycle of convergence and maturity. This traditional solar term is not only a mark of seasonal change, but also a warm reminder for people to adjust their life rhythm and embrace the beauty of early autumn.
Many people misunderstand that Start of Autumn means the immediate disappearance of summer heat. In fact, the arrival of Start of Autumn is a gradual transition process. After the Start of Autumn, the lingering summer heat still lingers for a period of time, which is commonly known as “autumn tiger”. The daytime temperature still remains warm and hot, but the most obvious change lies in the temperature difference between day and night. The sweltering and stuffy feeling that lasts all day in summer disappears. As soon as the night falls, a faint cool wind blows quietly, sweeping away the dry heat of the day and bringing a comfortable and refreshing feeling. This subtle change is the unique romance that early autumn brings to the world.
The arrival of Start of Autumn has quietly changed the scenery of the world, painting the earth with a gentle and soft tone. The lush green leaves that are full of vitality in midsummer begin to slow down their growth rhythm, and some leaf tips gradually turn light yellow, laying the groundwork for the gorgeous autumn scenery later. The summer cicada chirps gradually weaken, and the noisy summer noise fades away little by little. The sky becomes higher and bluer, the clouds become lighter and thinner, and the whole world becomes open and quiet compared with the lively and noisy summer. Walking outdoors, the dry and hot air is replaced by fresh and breathable wind, making people feel relaxed and comfortable.
In nature, all things begin to enter the stage of fruition and accumulation with the arrival of Start of Autumn. Summer is a season of vigorous growth, while autumn is a season of steady maturity. Crops in the fields grow plump day by day, grains accumulate sufficient nutrients, and various fruits gradually mature and turn sweet. The whole earth is full of a quiet and abundant atmosphere. Flowers and plants no longer grow wildly, but begin to converge their vitality, waiting for the harvest of the season. This unique scene teaches people the most simple truth of life: growth is vigorous, and convergence is mature.
Since ancient times, people have formed a variety of warm and interesting folk customs around the Start of Autumn solar term, which have been passed down to this day and enrich the connotation of early autumn. The most popular custom is “gaining autumn weight”. In the hot summer, people are prone to loss of appetite and physical fatigue, resulting in weight loss. When Start of Autumn comes, the weather turns cool, people’s appetite gradually recovers, and they will eat rich and delicious seasonal food to nourish their bodies and welcome the arrival of autumn.
Tasting seasonal autumn fruits is also an indispensable ritual of Start of Autumn. A variety of fruits mature in early autumn, including sweet grapes, crisp pears, juicy peaches and refreshing jujubes. These fresh seasonal fruits carry the unique sweetness of early autumn. Tasting them in the cool autumn wind is the most simple and down-to-earth happiness in life. In addition, many families will dry seasonal vegetables and fruits, store the delicacies of early autumn, and retain the most beautiful taste of the season.
Start of Autumn is also a key node for human body health conditioning. The climate characteristics of early autumn are dry with cool wind, which is easy to cause autumn dryness symptoms such as dry throat, dry skin and dry mouth. Therefore, health preservation in early autumn focuses on moisturizing and nourishing the body. People will adjust their diet, eat more light and moisturizing foods, drink more warm water, and reduce spicy and dry foods. At the same time, the cool autumn weather is suitable for outdoor walking and gentle exercise, which can relieve the fatigue of summer heat and make the body and mind return to a comfortable state.
From the perspective of life aesthetics, Start of Autumn is a gentle reminder of rhythm transformation. Summer is suitable for running and striving, with vigorous vitality and endless passion; while autumn is suitable for settling and thinking, with quiet warmth and steady accumulation. The arrival of Start of Autumn tells people that after a summer of hard work and growth, it is time to slow down appropriately, sort out life gains, adjust personal state, and converge impetuous emotions. It makes people learn to be calm, tolerant and steady, just like the quiet and broad autumn sky.
Early autumn is never desolate, but gentle and warm. It does not have the bleak wind and cold frost of late autumn, nor the scorching sun and sweltering heat of midsummer. It is a transition season full of expectations and warmth. The wind is soft, the sky is clear, the fruits are fragrant, and everything is moving towards abundance and beauty quietly. Every trivial scenery in early autumn is touching: the cool night breeze, the blue sky and white clouds, the mature fruits and crops, and the comfortable temperature.
As the Start of Autumn arrives, all trivial troubles in summer fade with the receding heat. Time becomes gentle and slow, and life becomes quiet and warm. This ancient solar term carries the wisdom of nature and the tenderness of life. It lets people feel the cycle of seasons, understand the beauty of convergence and maturity, and learn to embrace every change in life. May everyone in the gentle early autumn, bid farewell to summer impetuosity, keep warm and calm, and meet the abundant and beautiful autumn days.
