Introduction

The 24 Solar Terms, also known as the Chinese lunar calendar, is a traditional timekeeping system that divides the year into 24 distinct periods. Each period corresponds to a specific astronomical event and has its own unique characteristics. This mind map aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the 24 Solar Terms, exploring their origins, significance, and cultural implications.

Origins and Historical Significance

1. Ancient Astronomical Observations

The 24 Solar Terms originated from ancient Chinese astronomical observations. These observations were based on the changing positions of the sun in the sky and their relationship to the seasons.

2. Development of the Chinese Calendar

The system was formalized during the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) and has been an integral part of the Chinese calendar ever since. It has played a crucial role in agricultural practices, cultural traditions, and daily life.

The 24 Solar Terms

1. Start of Spring (Chūnjié)

  • Date: Around February 4th
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of spring and the onset of warmer weather.
  • Agricultural Implications: Farmers start preparing their fields for planting.

2. Rain Water (Yǔshuǐ)

  • Date: Around February 18th
  • Significance: Indicates the first rainfall of the year, essential for agriculture.
  • Cultural Activities: People perform rituals to祈求丰收.

3. Begin Spring (Chūnqiū)

  • Date: Around March 5th
  • Significance: Marks the transition from winter to spring.
  • Agricultural Practices: Farmers begin sowing crops.

4. Pure Brightness (Qūngmíng)

  • Date: Around April 4th
  • Significance: Represents the peak of spring and the longest day of the year.
  • Cultural Customs: People celebrate the festival of Pure Brightness.

5. Grain in Ear (Mǎo shū)

  • Date: Around May 5th
  • Significance: Indicates that crops are beginning to ripen.
  • Agricultural Activities: Farmers monitor crop growth.

6. Grain in Full (Shū shí)

  • Date: Around June 6th
  • Significance: Represents the full ripening of crops.
  • Cultural Practices: People celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.

7. Summer Solstice (Xiàzhì)

  • Date: Around June 21st
  • Significance: Marks the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer.
  • Cultural Celebrations: People celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival.

8. Great Heat (Dàshà)

  • Date: Around July 7th
  • Significance: Indicates the peak of summer heat.
  • Agricultural Implications: Farmers need to water their crops regularly.

9. Start of Summer (Xiàjié)

  • Date: Around July 23rd
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of summer.
  • Cultural Activities: People enjoy outdoor activities.

10. Minor Heat (Xiǎoshà)

  • Date: Around August 7th
  • Significance: Represents a slight decrease in summer heat.
  • Agricultural Practices: Farmers continue to water their crops.

11. Summer Solstice (Xiàzhì)

  • Date: Around August 23rd
  • Significance: Marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
  • Cultural Celebrations: People celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.

12. End of Summer (Xiàjié)

  • Date: Around September 7th
  • Significance: Represents the final days of summer.
  • Agricultural Implications: Farmers harvest their crops.

13. Start of Autumn (Qiūjié)

  • Date: Around September 23rd
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of autumn.
  • Cultural Activities: People enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.

14. White Dew (Báishuǐ)

  • Date: Around October 8th
  • Significance: Indicates the first frost of the year.
  • Agricultural Practices: Farmers prepare for winter.

15. Cold Dew (Lěngshuǐ)

  • Date: Around October 23rd
  • Significance: Represents the second frost of the year.
  • Cultural Customs: People celebrate the Double Ninth Festival.

16. Start of Winter (Dōngjié)

  • Date: Around November 7th
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of winter.
  • Agricultural Implications: Farmers store their crops.

17. Minor Snow (Xiǎoxuě)

  • Date: Around November 22nd
  • Significance: Indicates the first snowfall of the year.
  • Cultural Activities: People enjoy snow sports.

18. Major Snow (Dàoxuě)

  • Date: Around December 7th
  • Significance: Represents the second snowfall of the year.
  • Agricultural Practices: Farmers continue to store their crops.

19. Winter Solstice (Dōngzhì)

  • Date: Around December 21st
  • Significance: Marks the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter.
  • Cultural Celebrations: People celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival.

20. Minor Cold (Xiǎo héng)

  • Date: Around January 5th
  • Significance: Indicates the first cold wave of the year.
  • Agricultural Implications: Farmers continue to store their crops.

21. Major Cold (Dà héng)

  • Date: Around January 20th
  • Significance: Represents the second cold wave of the year.
  • Cultural Activities: People enjoy winter sports.

22. Start of Spring (Chūnjié)

  • Date: Around February 4th
  • Significance: Marks the beginning of spring and the onset of warmer weather.
  • Agricultural Practices: Farmers start preparing their fields for planting.

Conclusion

The 24 Solar Terms are a rich and fascinating part of Chinese culture, reflecting the ancient Chinese people’s deep understanding of the natural world. This mind map provides a comprehensive overview of the system, highlighting its origins, significance, and cultural implications. By understanding the 24 Solar Terms, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of nature and human life.