The Twenty-Four Solar Terms, Knowledge in China of Time and Practices Developed Through Observation of the Sun’s Annual Motion

The ancient Chinese divided the sun’s annual circular motion into 24 segments. Each segment was called a specific ‘Solar Term’. The element of Twenty-Four Solar Terms originated in the Yellow River reaches of China. The criteria for its formulation were developed through the observation of changes of seasons, astronomy and other natural phenomena in this region and has been progressively applied nationwide. It starts from the Beginning of Spring and ends with the Greater Cold, moving in cycles. The element has been transmitted from generation to generation and used traditionally as a timeframe to direct production and daily routines. It remains of particular importance to farmers for guiding their practices. Having been integrated into the Gregorian calendar, it is used widely by communities and shared by many ethnic groups in China. Some rituals and festivities in China are closely associated with the Solar Terms for example, the First Frost Festival of the Zhuang People and the Ritual for the Beginning of Spring in Jiuhua. The terms may also be referenced in nursery rhymes, ballads and proverbs. These various functions of the element have enhanced its viability as a form of intangible cultural heritage and sustain its contribution to the community’s cultural identity. Knowledge of the element is transmitted through formal and informal means of education.

Folk Activities at Beginning of Summer in Banshan

The Beginning of Summer (also known as the “Lixia Festival”), one of the twenty-four solar terms, is the day that marks the beginning of summer. The traditional customs of "the Beginning of Summer" have been passed down from generation to generation in the Banshan (半山) area of Hangzhou.

On the day of "Beginning of Summer", the masses spontaneously gather near the Banshan Niangniang Temple and hold activities according to local customs such as “Farewell to Spring and Hello to Summer”, eat “Black Rice”, cook “Wild Rice”, engage in “weighing people”, and organize “Temple Fair” to pray for good health, safe summer, and a bumper harvest. Now at the annual "Beginning of Summer", a series of activities such as the traditional "Beginning of Summer" Folk Experience of Banshan and running in the mountains to welcome the summer are held, which are deeply loved by Hangzhou citizens.

In 2016, “Beginning of Summer” Customs of Banshan”, as an important part of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.