Hey there! 🌱 Have you ever heard of Grain Rain? It’s a special time in China when spring turns into summer, and everything starts growing like crazy! Let’s dive in and learn all about this awesome season.
What is Grain Rain?
Grain Rain, called “Guyu” in Chinese, is one of China’s 24 solar terms. These solar terms are like a calendar that farmers use to know the best times to plant and harvest crops. Grain Rain happens around April 20th every year and marks the end of spring. The name comes from the saying, “Rain brings up the growth of hundreds of grains.” Pretty cool, right? 🌾🌧️
Why is it Important?
During Grain Rain, the weather gets warmer and there’s more rain. This is great news for plants, as they need sunshine and water to grow big and strong. Farmers are super busy during this time, planting seeds and taking care of their crops. It’s a vital period for agriculture!
Tea Time! 🍵
One of the best parts of Grain Rain is the tea. The warm and moist weather helps tea leaves grow fresh and tasty. Tea picked during this time is called “Grain Rain Tea“, and it’s known for its rich flavor. Drinking this tea is a popular tradition in China. Imagine sipping a warm cup of delicious tea while enjoying the beautiful spring scenery!
Blooming Flowers 🌸
Grain Rain is also when peonies, China’s national flower, start to bloom. Peonies are famous for their big, colorful petals and lovely scent. People love to visit gardens and admire these gorgeous flowers. It’s like a real-life fairy tale!
The Legend of Cangjie
Have you ever wondered who invented Chinese characters? According to legend, it was a man named Cangjie. The story goes that when he created the characters, the heavens were so amazed that they rained down grains! To honor him, the United Nations made the start of Grain Rain “UN Chinese Language Day“. How awesome is that?
Celebrate the Season!
So, as Grain Rain arrives, why not celebrate the season of growth and renewal? You could:
- Try some new tea (ask your parents first!).
- Plant a seed and watch it grow.
- Draw pictures of blooming flowers.
- Learn about Chinese characters and their meanings.
Let’s enjoy this time of flourishing growth! 🌿🎉
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
