Guyu 谷雨

Overview

Chinese Name: 谷雨
English Name: Guyu; Grain Rain; the 6th of the 24 solar terms
Date: April 19(20 or 21)
Sun Position: Celestial Longitude of 30°

Brief Introduction

Guyu 谷雨 is the sixth of the 24 Solar Terms二十四节气. It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 30° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 45°. It more often refers in particular to the day when the Sun is exactly at the celestial longitude of 30°.

Grain Rain originates from the old saying, “Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains,” which shows that this period of rainfall is extremely important for the growth of crops. The Grain Rain signals the end of cold weather and a rapid rise in temperature.

Grain Rain is a solar term reflecting the phenomenon of precipitation. In the northern part of China, the first heavy rain usually occurs during this time of year, which is the peak time for planting rice, corn, and the growth of cotton.

Climatic Change

The main feature of Guyu is rainy. As the last solar term in spring, the rainfall frequently, and the humidity in the air gradually increases, which is conducive to the growth of crops. Entering the Grain Rain solar term, the precipitation increases significantly in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze长江 River and the south of the Yangtze River, especially in southern China, once the cold air meets the warm and humid air, it often forms a long-term rainy weather.

The Qinling–Huaihe Line秦岭淮河线is basically the dividing line between the spring rain in the south of the Yangtze River and the spring drought in the north. From the vicinity of the Qinling-Huaihe River to the north, the spring rain decreases sharply. In the north, Grain Rain is a symbol of the “final frost”. There are fewer cases of cold air invading the south, but the cold air activities affecting the north have not stopped, and early thunder will occur in many areas.

Health Tips in Guyu

As the rainfall increases after the Grain Rain solar term, the humidity in the air gradually increases, resulting in the Grain Rain solar term being the onset of neuralgia, such as intercostal neuralgia, sciatica, and trigeminal neuralgia. At the same time, the weather turns warm, outdoor activities increase, and peach blossoms and apricot blossoms in northern regions are blooming.

Friends with allergies should pay attention to preventing hay fever, allergic rhinitis, allergic asthma, etc. In the diet, the intake of high-protein and high-calorie foods should be reduced, and some foods that are diuretic and dampness can be good options, such as corn, poria, and wax gourd.

Folk-Custom Activity

Grain Rain Festival 谷雨节

The Grain Rain festival is celebrated by fishing villages in the coastal areas of northern China. Grain Rain marks the start of the fishermen’s first voyage of the year. The custom dates back more than 2,000 years ago, when people believed they owed a good harvest to the gods, who protected them from the stormy seas. People would worship the sea and stage sacrifice rites on the Grain Rain festival, praying for a bountiful harvest and a safe voyage for their loved ones.

Eating Toona sinensis 吃香椿

People in northern China have the tradition to eat the vegetable Toona sinensis during Guyu. An old Chinese saying goes, “Toona sinensis before the rain is as tender as silk”. This vegetable is rich in protein, carotene and a large amount of vitamin C, which has the functions of invigorating the stomach and regulating qi, preventing diarrhea and moisturizing the skin, and enhancing the immune system. Its leaves, shoots, roots, skins and fruits can be utilized as medicine.

Drinking tea 喝茶

There is an old custom in southern China that people drink tea on the day of Grain Rain. Spring tea during Guyu is rich in vitamins and amino acids, which can help to remove heat from the body and is good for the eyes. It is also said that drinking tea on this day would prevent bad luck. So no matter what the weather is on Guyu day, people will go to pick some new tea to drink.

Appreciation of Peony 赏牡丹

According to a Chinese proverb goes, seeing Peony in Three Dynasties of Guyu. Peony flowers are known as Grain Rain Flowers and Flowers of Fortune. Peonies represent romance and love, and are considered a good omen for a happy marriage. In addition, as the national flower of China, the peony symbolizes elegance and nobility. The most common flower in traditional Chinese painting is the peony flower, which represents auspiciousness and wealth. So far, Heze in Shandong and Luoyang in Henan will be in the Grain Rain season. A peony festival is held for people to watch and play.