The Mangzhong solar term means the official start of the midsummer season. At this time, the sun reaches 75 degrees of ecliptic longitude, the surface temperature gradually rises, the hot summer comes, and crops enter the peak growth season.

The time and origin of the Mangzhong solar term:

1. The time of the Mangzhong solar term

Mangzhong is the ninth solar term among the twenty-four solar terms. When the sun reaches 75° of ecliptic longitude on January 6 or June 7, it marks the beginning of awn growth. The term "Grand Grain" comes from the growth stage of crops. In ancient Chinese farming society, the Grain Grain period was the time when many crops entered into important agricultural activities such as weeding, insect removal and irrigation.

The name of Miscanthus is related to the growth of wheat. During the awn planting season, the wheat has entered a mature stage with full grains and tall stems, and the awns on the ears begin to appear. There are many crops that are harvested or enter an important growth period during the awning season, such as rice, sorghum, buckwheat, etc.

2. The Origin of the Ear Grain Solar System

The origin of the Ear Grain Solar System can be traced back to ancient Chinese farming society. People determined the date based on the position of the sun and the growth status of crops.

In agricultural culture, Miscanthus has been endowed with symbolic meanings of harvest, farming and gratitude. At this time, farmers will conduct field management to ensure the healthy growth of crops, and will also hold some sacrifices and thanksgiving ceremonies to pray for a bumper harvest and smooth growth of crops.

Traditional customs of the Ear Grain Festival:

1. Eating Junta Cai

In the Ningbo area, there is also the custom of eating Junta Cai during the Ear Grain season. Junta vegetables are a seasonal vegetable grown around the time of the Mangzhong solar term in the south. Local people believe that Junta cabbage has the effect of clearing away heat and detoxifying. Eating Junta cabbage in summer will not cause prickly heat.

2. Boiled plums

In the south, May and June are the ripe seasons for plums. During the Three Kingdoms period, there was an allusion of "cooking green plums in wine to discuss heroes". However, most fresh plums have a sour taste and are difficult to eat directly. They need to be processed before they can be eaten. This processing process is boiled plums.

3. An Miao

An Miao is a farming custom in southern Anhui that began in the early Ming Dynasty. Every time it is the mist planting season, after rice is planted, in order to pray for a good harvest in the autumn, seedling sacrificial activities are held in various places. Every household uses evaporated new wheat flour to make the noodles into shapes such as grains, livestock, fruits and vegetables, and then dyes them with vegetable juices as sacrificial offerings to pray for a good harvest and the safety of the villagers.

4. Mud Fighting

The young men and women of the Dong ethnic group in southeastern Guizhou hold a Mud Fighting Festival every year around the time of Mangzhong. On that day, the newlyweds, accompanied by young men and women who are close to each other, planted rice seedlings together, playing and throwing mud at each other while planting rice seedlings. At the end of the event, check the results. The person with the most mud on his body is the most popular person.