24 Solar Terms
The solar year in twenty-four steps of fifteen degrees. Months in Chinese metaphysics follow these, not the moon.
立春Start of SpringSpring opens, and in Four Pillars the new year begins here.雨水Rain WaterSnow gives way to rain.驚蟄Awakening of InsectsSpring thunder wakes creatures from their sleep.春分Spring EquinoxDay and night stand equal.清明Clear and BrightThe air clears and the land turns bright.穀雨Grain RainRain feeds the sown grain.立夏Start of SummerSummer opens.小滿Grain BudsGrain fills out but is not yet ripe.芒種Grain in EarBearded grain is ready, and sowing is at its busiest.夏至Summer SolsticeThe longest day of the year.小暑Minor HeatThe heat builds.大暑Major HeatThe hottest part of the year.立秋Start of AutumnAutumn opens.處暑End of HeatThe heat comes to an end.白露White DewDew begins to show white in the cool of the night.秋分Autumn EquinoxDay and night stand equal again.寒露Cold DewThe dew turns cold.霜降Frost DescentThe first frost comes down.立冬Start of WinterWinter opens.小雪Minor SnowThe first light snow.大雪Major SnowHeavier snow arrives.冬至Winter SolsticeThe shortest day of the year.小寒Minor ColdThe cold deepens, though the coldest days are still ahead.大寒Major ColdThe last term of the cycle and the depth of winter.