Have you ever wondered how farmers in China know when it’s the perfect time to plant their crops? 🌾 Well, they follow something called solar terms! One of these is known as “Grain in Ear”, or Mangzhong in Chinese, and it’s super important for agriculture.
What is “Grain in Ear”? 🗓️
“Grain in Ear” is the ninth of 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. It usually happens in early June. This special time tells farmers that it’s the perfect moment to start planting seeds like beans, grains, and sweet potatoes. Yum! 🍠
Why is Everyone so Busy? 🚜
The name Mangzhong actually sounds like “busy planting” in Chinese. And guess what? That’s exactly what’s happening! Farmers all over China, from the north to the south, are working hard to plant their crops. They pay close attention to their local soil and weather to make sure everything grows just right.
The Magical Plum Rain 🌧️
During this time, especially in southern China, something amazing happens—it starts to rain a lot! These heavy rains are called the “Plum Rain” season because they come when plums are ripening. How cool is that? 🍑
While all that rain might seem like a bummer if you want to play outside, it’s actually super helpful for the crops. Plus, it means delicious plums are ready to eat and make into tasty plum wine—a traditional drink enjoyed for thousands of years! 🍷
Let’s Celebrate Nature! 🌱
“Grain in Ear” teaches us about the important connection between people and nature. Next time you see a rainy day or bite into a juicy plum, think about how these natural events help farmers grow the food we eat every day!
Reference(s):
Grain in Ear: China's agricultural peak and the plum rain season
cgtn.com
