The mercury has really gone up recently in many parts of China, and now it's official -- summer is here. Tuesday marks Li Xia, or the Beginning of Summer, on the traditional Chinese Calendar. As the name suggests, Li Xia refers to the end of spring and the arrival of summer.
The twenty-four solar terms of the Chinese Calendar are closely linked to agricultural production. In the past, people were informed of the beginning of summer by three signals. First, frogs start to croak in the water. Second, earthworms become active in the fields. And third, melon seedlings begin to grow quickly.
FallingonMay5ththisyear,"LiXia"isanofficialfarewelltospring
andanopen-armedembraceofsummer.
Falling on May 5th this year, "Li Xia" is an official farewell to spring and an open-armed embrace of summer.
Xiao Jun, the vice director of Beijing Ancient Observatory said, "Li Xia is a turning point for the climate. After Li Xia, the weather becomes progressively warmer. Every creature on earth is becoming more animated."
Around Li Xia, the temperature rises to at least 18 or 20 degrees in most parts of China. Plants and crops are ripening. It is a good time for urban residents to go on an outing to the countryside to enjoy the beauty of nature.
In many regions, people still keep the tradition of making special porridge, drinking tea and eating eggs on Li Xia. Health experts say it's important to follow a good diet and take some exercise in this transition period between spring and summer.
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