"Four seasons urge each other on; overnight, the warm breeze brings the heat." Every year, around May 5th to 7th, when the handle of the Big Dipper points to the southeast, it marks the arrival of the Beginning of Summer. This solar term signifies the end of spring and the beginning of summer, and is also known as the "End of Spring."
From this point on, the earth embraces the warmth of summer. The fields are shaded by lush greenery, gentle breezes caress the face, lotus buds begin to emerge, and dragonflies skim the water's surface—creating a scene of refreshing beauty.
In China, the Beginning of Summer is rich with traditional customs. On this day, people practice the custom of “weighing people,” where individuals are weighed to symbolize health and well-being during the summer. They also boil tender “Beginning of Summer eggs,” which are then tapped together, wishing for a fulfilling life. Additionally, people “taste the three new things”—at this time, cherries turn bright red, plums are brewed in wine, and fresh wheat fills the air with its fragrance. Biting into these “three new things” is like savoring the sweetness of early summer.
立夏攜著蓬勃的熱情,開啟萬物生長的嶄新篇章,這絢爛綻放的生命力,跨越山海,在全球同步上演。
The Beginning of Summer, with its vibrant energy, ushers in a new chapter of growth for all living things. This exuberant display of life transcends borders and unfolds across the globe, a testament to the universal rhythm of nature.