"Spring rain is as expensive as oil"，"The summer rain is not as good as the pot"，"The autumn rain continues, and the winter rain can't stop"These agricultural proverbs about rain carry the agricultural wisdom of the Chinese nation for thousands of years. And this year, the Lantern Festival and the rain festival meet, which adds a different atmosphere to this traditional festival.
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Festival of Lights, is one of our traditional festivals that symbolizes reunion and light. On this day, every household will light up lanterns and make festive food, such as rice balls, which means reunion and sweetness. The rain solar term, as one of the 24 solar terms, marks the deepening of spring and the increase of precipitation, implying the recovery and vitality of all things.
This year's Lantern Festival coincides with the fifth day after the rainy season, which adds a different atmosphere to our traditional festival.
As the saying goes, "When the rain arrives, the grass sprouts"; "When the rain falls, the grain comes out". This proverb describes some of the effects of spring rain on the natural world. "Grass sprouts" means that the arrival of spring makes everything revived, plants and trees begin to grow new shoots, and the natural world presents a vibrant scene. "Grain emergence" refers to the beginning of crop germination with the spring rains, indicating a good start to agricultural production, and for agricultural societies, this is the season of sowing hope.
So, when the Lantern Festival meets the rainy season, what does it portend?
Look at what the ancestral agricultural proverb says.
The rain and fifteen snow are lit, and the clouds cover the moon during the Qingming season".
"Rain" refers to the rain solar term in the 24 solar terms, which marks the rise of temperature, the melting of ice and snow, and the increase of precipitation, which is an important time node in spring.
This agricultural proverb says that if there is snow or rain on the day of the Lantern Festival during the rainy season, then the weather may be more cloudy and rainy for the next period of time until the Qingming Festival. This is good news for crops, as adequate water is an important condition for plant growth.
The rain is cold and windy, and the diligent cultivation is waiting for the spring to return".
"Chilling Wind" describes the cold weather phenomenon that can be encountered during this solar term. Even though it's already spring, the cold air can still cause the temperature to drop and cold winds to appear. "Intensive farming" emphasises the need for farmers to continue to work on their fields, even in cold weather, and to manage crops carefully to ensure healthy growth. "Waiting for spring to return" means that you need to be patient and wait for the weather to warm up. Spring is the season of recovery, and the right temperature and plenty of rain will help the crops grow.
The agricultural proverb "Rainy 15th is cold and windy, and the farmers should continue to work diligently during the rainy season, if they encounter cold weather, and at the same time take care of the crops carefully and wait for the weather to warm up.
The rain is fifteen and the sun is shining, and the warmth and good luck have arrived".
The proverb says that a sunny day on the 15th day of the first lunar month during the rain means that the sun is abundant in the new year, which not only helps the crops to ripen, but also symbolizes that people's lives will be full of hope, vitality and good fortune.
"Warm and warm" describes the temperature of the spring sun, which is warm and not hot, and is very suitable for human activities and plant growth. "Good luck" here symbolizes the smooth growth of crops, indicates a harvest season, and generally refers to the development of everything in a good direction.
This agricultural proverb reflects the farmers' observation and experience of natural phenomena, and also reflects people's good expectations for the future and their wishes for a good agricultural harvest.
Although we no longer rely entirely on these agricultural proverbs to guide agricultural production, they still reflect the profound wisdom of the ancients and have made an indelible contribution to guiding the production activities of the agrarian society of the past.
What do you guys think? Are these proverbs still accurate? Welcome to communicate in the comment area. May our new year be smooth and prosperous!