A solar term is a period of about two weeks and is based on the sun’s position in the zodiac. Solar terms form the traditional Chinese calendar system. The calendar follows the ancient Chinese belief that living in accordance with nature will enable one to live a harmonious life. This article series explores each of the year’s 24 solar terms, offering guidance on how to best navigate the season.
Characteristics and Meaning
The grains of summer crops are becoming plump, but are not yet ripe.In the ancient Chinese text “Bagua” (The Eight Trigrams), a book that helps one read the seasons and changes in life or society, the corresponding Ba-gua for this solar term is Qian, which represents full Yang energy. “Grain Buds” (May 20 to June 4) is described as pure yang in all six of its trigrams.
