Solar Terms 101: Fiery Leaves, Shining Persimmons, and Autumn's Unmistakable Hues

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 节气 jiéqì solar terms based on seasonal changes and natural phenomenon. They play an important role in guiding agricultural activities, even to this day. But even city-dwellers like us can enjoy them. Each solar term has its own associated customs, traditions, and even recipes. In Solar Terms 101, we delve into what makes each one special...

Name of the solar term: 霜降 shuāngjiàng lit. “First Frost"
Gregorian date: Oct 23 +/- a day (Oct 23, 2022)

What is shuangjiang all about

As the 18th solar term of the year, shuangjiang is also the last solar term for autumn. The diurnal temperature variation continues to increase, as does the dreaded autumn dryness, evidenced by the recent chilly mornings here in Beijing. With cold air marching further south, the lowest temperatures will drop below freezing, and thus winter officially begins. While the advent of frost isn't necessarily an omen for impending frostbite, it is worrying for southern farmers as it risks damaging their ongoing harvest. What's more, it's also the end of the life cycle for most herbage in the north, just as the old saying goes, 霜降杀百草 shuāngjiàng shā bǎicǎo “Shuangjiang kills the herbs.”                                                                         

The micro seasons of shuangjiang

Following in the raptors’ footsteps (wing-beat?) during chùshǔ, dholes – or wild dogs – also ritualistically line up their prey before digging in during this season, therefore the first micro season 豺乃祭兽 chái nǎi jì shòu the dholes use prey as tribute has a similar name as that of the summer solar term, 鹰乃祭鸟 yīngnǎijìniǎo raptors use their prey as tribute. As for the flora, in the second micro season 草木黄落 cǎomù huáng luò, the grasslands go stark while autumn foliage paints the mountains in vibrant colors – inspiring poetry lines such as 霜叶红于二月花 shuāng yè hóng yú èr yuè huā "the red leaves are richer in color than the spring flowers" – before they fall to the ground, releasing their nutrients for next year’s growth. And 蛰虫咸俯 zhé chóng xián fǔ, the last micro season of shuangjiang is a sequel to 蛰虫始户 zhé chóng shǐ hù the second micro season of the autumn equinox. After living in caves and other shelters for a month, myriad bugs are finally ready to hunker down for a long hibernation.

Kick out the taro ghost and pull the radish from the field

Of course, now is the prime time for a late autumn field trip to capture the beauty of the changing leaves and blossoming chrysanthemums. However, more fun awaits! That is if you don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty.

In the Canton area, folks will seize this solar term to 送芋鬼 sòng yù guǐ send the taro ghost away. In other words, villagers will build a tower from roofing tiles in a nearby river, fill it with firewood, and light the thing on fire until the tiles become red hot. Then, the tower is dismantled and the tiles are used to cook taro or sweet potatoes. Finally, the tiles are discarded outside the village as a means to expel evil spirits. 

In Shandong province, the customs surrounding shuangjiang are also tied to the 白萝卜 bái luóbo radish. As one of the most prominent winter vegetables on northern Chinese dining tables, the radish is believed to ease symptoms of autumn dryness and protect the respiratory system from cold weather. Shandong is something of a radish wonderland in China, and thus it is imperative to harvest this peppery little snack before shuangjiang's devastating frost sets in.

What to eat for shuangjiang

We already discussed a few foods above, namely because the number of dishes made around this solar term is seemingly endless.

Nevertheless, the most seasonal treat among them all is probably 柿子 shìzi the persimmon, a fruit resembling 西红柿 xīhóngshì tomatoes in shape and name, but with a distinctly sweeter taste. At the center of the persimmon is a silky, jelly-like core, also known as its tongue. Persimmons can be enjoyed fresh or sundried, the latter being preferred by old-time Beijingers. Take heed, however, this fruit is rich in tannic acid and pectin, so consuming a large amount of it could disrupt your digestive system. Likewise, you should avoid eating it with another seasonal treat, the crab, since this combination could lead to some serious gastrolithiasis. 

Back to what you can eat... Chestnut, honey, silver mushroom, carrot, and pears are all ideal parts of a balanced diet during this time. They're mild in taste and believed to strengthen your immune system and repair membranes. The diurnal temperature variation also will increase the sweetness of various fruits and even vegetables. Protein wise, mutton and rabbit are recommended since the former possesses yang energy necessary to warm the body in the harsh winter, whereas rabbit meat keeps the fire element in the body under control and prevents inflammation.

Read: Baby It’s Cold….in Here? Understanding China’s Central Heating System Divide

Images: Sohu, Sina, Zhihu, 17qq