The expression "rain gives birth to a hundred grains" is poetic and full of the mysterious power of nature. It is a figurative depiction of the sixth of the 24 solar terms, Gu Yu. Guyu, which falls from April 19 to 21 in the Gregorian calendar every year, is the last solar term of spring. At this time, the cold wave weather is basically over, the temperature rises faster, the precipitation increases significantly, the seedlings in the field are planted, the new crops are planted, and the most need for the moisture of the rain, which is the so-called "spring rain is as expensive as oil". This article will analyze in detail the cultural meaning, scientific phenomena and related traditional customs of the Guyu solar term.
1. Cultural interpretation of the Guyu solar term
Guyu is not only a solar term that reflects agricultural production activities, but also an important time node in traditional Chinese culture. In ancient agrarian societies, Gu Yu was regarded as a key moment in determining the quality of crop growth. During this period, people pray for abundant rain from heaven to ensure a good harvest. Therefore, "Rain-born Hundred Grains" is not only a vivid depiction of natural phenomena, but also a deep expectation of a bumper harvest.
Second, the scientific phenomenon of the valley rain solar term
From a meteorological point of view, the valley rain solar term marks the transition of the East Asian atmospheric circulation from winter to summer. At this time, the western Pacific subtropical high gradually strengthened and moved northward, the warm and humid airflow over South China was active, and the cold air force in the north gradually weakened. This climatic characteristic makes the precipitation in southern China increase significantly, which is conducive to the growth of crops.
3. The traditional customs of the Guyu solar term
Sacrifice to the sea: When the sea water warms up in the rainy season, the fish go to the shallow sea area, which is a good day to go to the sea to fish. As the saying goes: "Ride the valley rain to the net." "In order to be able to go to sea safely and return with a full load, the fishermen hold a sea festival on the day of Guyu and pray for the blessing of the sea god. Therefore, the Guyu Festival is also called the "Zhuang Xing Festival" when fishermen go out to sea to fish. In the old days, by the sea, there were Tanah Lot Temple or Niangniang Temple in every village, as soon as the sacrificial time came, the fishermen carried the offerings to the temple to place the offerings, and some carried the offerings to the seaside, beat the gongs and drums, set off firecrackers, and face the sea to worship, the scene was very grand.
Eating toon: In the north, there is the custom of eating toon in the valley rain, before and after the rain in the valley is the season when the toon is on the market, the toon at this time is mellow and refreshing, and the nutritional value is high, and there is the saying that "the toon is tender and silky before the rain". Toon has the effects of improving immunity, strengthening the stomach, regulating qi, antidiarrheal, emollient, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal.
Flower appreciation: Before and after the valley rain is also an important time for peony flowers to bloom, therefore, peony flowers are also known as "valley rain flowers" and "rich flowers", and flower appreciation is naturally an important custom during the valley rain solar term.
IV. Conclusion
In general, "Yusheng Hundred Grains" is not only a description of natural phenomena, but also contains a profound cultural connotation and people's awe of nature. At the same time, through the in-depth understanding and research of the Guyu solar terms, we can more clearly understand the close relationship between nature and human beings and the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture. In this special solar term, let us feel the gift of nature and the profundity of Chinese culture