Xiaoman is the eighth of the twenty-four solar terms, which generally appears around May 20th of the Gregorian calendar. It heralds the arrival of summer and marks the beginning of summer in China's traditional calendar. In the traditional culture of China, Xiaoman has profound implications and symbolic significance.
1, agricultural significance. Xiaoman solar term is one of the most important solar terms in farming culture. In ancient China, Xiaoman was the beginning of "Wheat Autumn" and the meeting point of spring ploughing, summer sowing and autumn harvest. At this time, the crops are beginning to mature, and the harvest season is coming. Due to the arrival of Xiaoman, the saying of "five poisons" (snake, scorpion, toad, claw, wall) has spread among the people, and this time is also an important period for farmers to guard against the harm of poisonous snakes.
2. Food culture. Xiaoman solar term is a traditional "Pinellia season" in China, and it is also a good time to eat Pinellia. Pinellia ternata, Poria cocos, is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine, which has the functions of strengthening spleen and regulating stomach, resolving phlegm and relieving cough. The temperature rises gradually in xiaoman season, which makes people sweat easily. Drinking Pinellia coix seed water can relieve summer heat and dampness, clear away heat and detoxify, which is very suitable for people at this time.
3. medical care. The climate in xiaoman season has begun to get hot. Pay attention to keep a calm mind, adjust diet and eat more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins, which will help relieve physical discomfort. In addition, it is also a good time for people to have massage and physical therapy during the Xiaoman period. Massage helps to relieve muscle soreness and improve blood circulation, while soaking in hot springs also has a good nourishing and health care effect on the skin and body.
4. Cultural activities. Xiaoman is one of the solar terms in China cultural tradition. Many places have customs and activities to celebrate Xiaoman, such as "Xiaoman Knocking Gong" in Tonghua City, Jilin Province and "Xiaoman Mountain Festival" in Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province. These activities have strong local color and folk cultural characteristics, which is one of the important ways for people to experience and understand the traditional culture of China.
In a word, Xiaoman solar terms have both agricultural significance and rich cultural connotation. During this solar term, people should not only pay attention to diet and health care, but also participate in various cultural activities in order to better feel and inherit the traditional culture of China.