In modern times, the 24 Solar Terms are still an important part of Chinese culture and everyday life of Chinese people. Some traditions related are still followed as a daily routine, and we still benefit from these ancient wisdoms.
We’ll dive deep into each of the Solar Terms to learn about their meanings, and how we can live by such ancient knowledge that concludes the essence of how the world around us changes.
Here’s the upcoming solar terms in mid and late autumn. Let us live by the flow.
16. Autumnal Equinox (秋分)
The next Solar Term after the ones introduced in the last article, is the 16th in the 24 Solar Terms.
The Autumn Equinox, occurring around September 23rd, is the midpoint of autumn, with day and night equally balanced. This solar term is significant for harvesting crops and preparing for winter. Farmers use this period to gather the last of the summer harvest and store food for the colder months.
Cultural practices include making offerings to the moon and celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival with family gatherings, mooncakes, and lanterns. It is a time for expressing gratitude and enjoying the harmony of nature, reflecting on the balance of light and dark.
Mid-Autumn Festival is also the time to enjoy osmanthus along with mooncakes and other traditional festival food, as the flower comes to its full bloom around the time. Just like sakura watching in Japan, osmanthus watching is the Chinese version of flower watching, in appreciation of seasonal changes and nature itself.
Osmanthus has a refreshingly sweet floral scent that is unique and quite dominant when blooming. It is commonly used in desserts to compliment the sweetness with its additional fresh floral flavor, and at the same time goes well with woody scents adding a hint of warmth when used in scented sachets or other scented products. You can obtain such a snippet of autumn in Energize — our incense made for the autumn season, reminding you how season changes at Autumn Equinox.
17. Cold Dew (寒露)
Cold Dew, arriving around October 8th, indicates a further drop in temperatures and the arrival of cold, dewy mornings. This solar term signals the need for farmers to protect crops from frost and prepare for the end of the growing season.
Traditional customs include drinking chrysanthemum wine to promote longevity and health, as chrysanthemums are in full bloom during this time. People also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and appreciating the autumn foliage, taking advantage of the crisp, cool weather before winter sets in.
18. Descent of Frost (霜降)
Frost Descent, occurring around October 23rd, marks the first appearance of frost and the final phase of autumn. This solar term is critical for completing the harvest and preparing for winter. Farmers work to protect remaining crops from frost damage and begin storing produce.
Traditional activities include eating warming foods like pumpkin and ginger to protect against the cold. People also honor ancestors with offerings and rituals, reflecting on the cycle of life and the changing seasons. It is a time for preparing homes and communities for the winter ahead.
When the cool air arrives and the temperature drop starts to feel real, it is easy to miss the late summer breeze with a hint of coolness blended in the warmth. Remind yourself such comfy feelings through Retreat — our incense stick made with ambergris and a traditional woody base.
Ambergris is a type of amber co-created by sperm whales and the ocean, with whales digesting their food and leaving such substance in the ocean for years before it turns into a waxy object. Thus, ambergris naturally blends the scent of ocean water and animal, bringing that salty breeze by the ocean and a unique twist from its one and only formation history.
