The twenty-four solar terms
The twenty-four solar terms was officially added to UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.
The twenty-four solar terms was officially added to UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.
24节气在2016年被正式列为联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产名录。
During my teaching experience, I have found that many students haven’t heard about the 24 solar terms, hence I would like to share it with you here.
在对外汉语教学过程中，我发现很多学生没有听说过我们的24节气，因此在这里我想简单介绍一下24节气。
The twenty-four solar terms are a time knowledge system summarized by the ancient Chinese through observing changes in phenology and climate and the annual movement of the sun. It is mainly used to guide farmers in agricultural production and daily activities.
24节气是中国古代人民通过观察物候、气候以及太阳的周年运动而形成的一个时间知识系统，主要用于指导农业生产和日常活动。
We could divide it to 3 categories based on the source and meaning.
我们可以根据它的来源和意义分为3大类。
- The first category contains 8 solar terms distinguishing the four seasons.
- 8个节气，主要是为了区分季节。
- 立春Start of Spring, it just means the commencement of spring.
- 春分Spring Equinox, it’s the same as the western one.
- 立夏Start of Summer, it just means the commencement of summer.
- 夏至Summer Solstice, it’s the same as the western one.
- 立秋Start of Autumn, it just means the commencement of autumn.
- 秋分Autumnal Equinox, it’s the same as the western one.
- 立冬Start of Winter, it just means the commencement of winter.
- 冬至Winter Solstice, it’s the same as the western one.
- The second category contains 12 solar terms, reflecting climate and precipitation characteristics降水量特征.
- 12个节气，主要是为了反映气候和降水量特征。
| 5 Solar terms are named on the basis of their hotness and coldness | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 7 Solar terms are named on the basis of precipitation characteristics | |
|
the start of Spring rains |
|
From that day, there will be more rainfall, which is good for the growth of crops.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
- The third category contains 4 solar terms, reflecting phenological phenomenon 物候现象and farming activities.
- 4个节气，主要是为了物候和农事活动。
| 4 solar terms, reflecting phenological phenomenon and farming activities. | |
|
It indicates that the spring thunder awakens the torpid animals and insects. |
|
|
|
The crops begin to plump and mature 意味着农作物开始饱满，趋于成熟。 |
|
It tells people that the wheat has ripened.
|
The twenty-four solar terms not only have the practical value as a guide of agriculture and people's life, but also have rich folklore connotations. When every solar term comes, people will celebrate it in many different and interesting ways.
24节气不仅有指导农业和人们生活的使用价值，也形成了丰富的民俗内涵。当每个节气来临，人们都会通过不同的和有意思的方式去庆祝它。
More curious about Chinese culture, Uliango provides you experienced Chinese teacher to learn more.
