"Lìqiū," also known as the "Start of Autumn," is one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional East Asian calendars, including the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese calendars. It signifies the beginning of the autumn season, usually occurring around August 7th or 8th each year. This date marks the point when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 135 degrees.
In Chinese culture, Lìqiū is celebrated with various customs and traditions that reflect the change in seasons. It is a time when people enjoy the last days of summer while preparing for the cooler weather ahead. Traditionally, it was believed that eating seasonal fruits and vegetables during Lìqiū could help to maintain health and balance in the body according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.
One popular custom associated with Lìqiū is the consumption of peaches, which are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good health. Additionally, there's a tradition called "weighing the autumn," where people weigh themselves on Lìqiū and compare it to their weight on Start of Summer (Lìxià) to check if they have lost weight during the hot summer months. If so, they might indulge in more nourishing foods to regain strength.
Another interesting practice is the "Autumn Tiger" phenomenon, referring to the short period of hot weather that sometimes follows Lìqiū, much like the "Indian Summer" in Western cultures. Despite the official start of autumn, the weather can still be quite warm, but it gradually cools down, leading into the crisp and refreshing days of fall.
Overall, Lìqiū is a time for reflection on the bounty of summer and anticipation of the harvest season that autumn brings. It's a reminder to appreciate the natural rhythms of the Earth and adjust our lives accordingly.
