Did you know that in China, people have a special way to welcome the beginning of summer? 🌞 It’s called Lixia, which means “Start of Summer”! It’s one of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and marks the time when days get longer, temperatures rise, and nature comes alive.
During Lixia, there are some really cool traditions that kids and families enjoy. One of them is playing egg-fighting games! 🥚 Children hang boiled eggs from colorful strings and tap them together to see whose egg is the strongest. It’s all about having fun and wishing for strength and health in the new season.
Another fun custom is weighing people. People step on a scale while friends and family say nice things like, “Hope you stay healthy all summer!” It’s a cheerful way to start the season with good wishes. 😊
Food is also a big part of Lixia celebrations. Families make a special dish called “Lixia rice”. 🍚 It’s a yummy meal mixed with different colored beans, symbolizing a good harvest and prosperity. In places like Nanjing, people enjoy the “Three Fresh Delicacies” of early summer: cherries, green plums, and a type of fish called hilsa herring. 🍒🌿🐟
With the weather getting hotter, it’s important to stay healthy. Traditional Chinese medicine suggests eating red foods like tomatoes, red beans, and dates to keep your heart happy. ❤️ Also, remember to drink plenty of water or light tea to stay hydrated! 🥤
Lixia is a wonderful time that reminds everyone to enjoy nature, take care of their health, and have fun with family and friends. So, how do you welcome summer? Maybe you can try some of these traditions too! 🌻
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
