24 SEASONAL POINTS

春雨惊分清谷天,夏满芒至二暑连,秋处露分寒霜降, 冬雪雪冬小大寒。

The 24 seasonal points or solar terms, are part of the East Asian lunisolar calendar that originated from China in the Shang and Zhou dynasties (1600 BCE).  This calendar was fully developed and integrated into the Chinese calendar system during the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BCE).  For more than 3000 years, this wisdom has remained an integral part of living and cultural heritage for many. 

 

In each season, there are 3 months (3 moons) and 6 seasonal points  Each seasonal point is about 15 days long and adjusted to divide the calendar year evenly.  Observing these 24 transitional time periods provides us with a closer record of seasonal changes. Every seasonal point has a name that helps us synthesize nature's voice by describing various natural phenomenons and astronomical events.  

24 SEASONAL NOTES

1 Li Chun Beginning of Spring
2 Yu Shui Rain Water
3 Jing Zhe
Awakening of Insects
4
Chun Fen
Spring Equinox
5
Qing Ming
Pure Brightness
6
Gu Yu
Grain Rains
7
Li Xia
Beginning of Summer
8
Xiao Man
Grain Sprouts
9
Mang Zhong
Grain Ripens
10
Xia Zhi
Summer Solstice
11
Xiao Shu
Slight Heat
12
Da Shu
Great Heat
13
Li Qiu
Beginning of Autumn
14 Chu Shu
End of Heat
15
Bai Lu 
White Dew
16
Qiu Fen
Autumn Equinox
17
Han Lu
Cold Dew
18
Shuang Jiang
Forest Descends
19
Li Dong 
Beginning of Winter
20
Xiao Xue
Little Snow
21
Da Xue
Great Snow
22
Dong Zhi
Winter Solstice
23
Xiao Han
Little Cold
24
Da Han
Great Cold


These 24 seasonal points are used as a guide for agricultural production, weather patterns, maintaining health, ceremonies and rituals.  These seasonal notes are found in the Tong Shu, the Chinese Almanac.

At YINA we are inspired by the 24 seasonal points and hope to share this wisdom of living in synchronicity with nature. We look forward to introducing each season, subscribe to learn more!