NEWS INFORMATION

The climate characteristics and phenological phenomena of the Start of Autumn
The Start of Autumn, as the 13th solar term among the24 solar terms, marks the end of the Wu month and the beginning of the Shen month in the Sexagenary Calendar, and its climate characteristics and phenological changes reflect the nature of the season. From the perspective of climate trends, the Start of Autumn signifies the approaching end of the hot summer and the gradual arrival of autumn, presenting an overall trend hot to cool. At this time, central China enters the busy farming season of harvesting early rice and transplanting late rice, and major autumn crops enter a critical growth and development period

In ancient times, the Start of Autumn was divided into three periods, each lasting for five days, vividly illustrating the gradual changes in climate:

First Period: Breeze Arrives: After the Start of Autumn, the northwest wind gradually increases, replacing the southeast wind prevalent in summer, bringing a hint of coolness.
Second: White Dew Forms: The increasing temperature difference between day and night, strong daytime sunshine, and cool nighttime winds cause water vapor to condense, resulting in dewdro on plants in the early morning.

Traditional customs and cultural connotations of the Start of Autumn solar term
The customs of the Start of Autumn solar term are rich and diverse, encomp reverence for the natural order of the seasons and reflecting people's aspirations for health and harvest, mainly including the following categories:

Solar term representative customs
Start Autumn Festival (July Festival): As a traditional festival, it falls on August 7th or 8th of the Gregorian calendar. There are folk customs such as tasting (watermelon, kidney beans) and offering sacrifices to ancestors. Some areas also retain the custom of displaying preserved melons, steamed eggplants, and frying fragrant drinks before the Start of Autumn.
Putting on weight in autumn: It is popular among the people to weigh themselves with a hanging scale and compare their weight with that of Start of Summer. Due to the reduced appetite in summer leading to weight loss, after the Start of Autumn, people replenish their strength by consuming nutrient-rich foods (such as), commonly known as "putting on weight in autumn".
Farming and life-related customs
Autumn Busy Fair: A market activity centered around the harvest, where production tools are exchanged, livestock is sold, and grain is traded, serving both as a material goods exchange and a social function.

Third Period: Cicadas Chirp: At this time, cicadas chirp loudly due to sufficient food and suitable temperatures seemingly announcing the end of summer.
It is worth noting that when the Start of Autumn arrives, most parts of China are still in summer, often experiencing the "Autumn Tiger phenomenon. The folk customs predict the subsequent weather based on the wind direction, such as the agricultural proverb "Before the autumn, the north wind; after the autumn, the rain; south wind at the Start of Autumn means a dry autumn." That is, a north wind before the Start of Autumn indicates abundant rainfall and a significant temperature drop, while a south may lead to a continued hot and dry weather.

Cultural Implications and Rituals
The Song Dynasty court observed a "Phoenix Tree Announces Autumn" ritual, where the time of the Start of Autumn, the Grand Astronomer would loudly declare "Autumn has arrived," and the phoenix tree leaves would fall in response, symbolizing official start of autumn.This custom reflects the ancient people's ritualized expression of the transition of the seasons and also reflects the importance of the Start of Autumn in an agricultural.

The Modern Significance and Health Tips of the Start of Autumn
Although the Start of Autumn is not a statutory holiday, traditional customs continue to be practiced in modern. From a health perspective, one should pay attention to the difference in temperature between day and night after the Start of Autumn, adding or subtracting clothing as needed, especially for the and those with weak health who should avoid catching a cold.1 Dietary practices can follow the concept of "putting on autumn fat," appropriately supplementing protein and calories, in combination with modern health concepts for reasonable and balanced nutrition, avoiding excessive high-fat diets.

In addition, the natural scenes of the Start of Autumn, such as phoenix tree leaves and the chirping of cold crickets, often become images of cultural creation, symbolizing maturity and harvest. Folk blessings like "Wishing you a and carefree Start of Autumn" and "Golden Autumn brings happiness and laughter" also convey the anticipation of a refreshing autumn day and the joy of harvest