The 24 solar terms, a system considered to be China’s fifth great inventio

The 24 solar terms, a system considered to be China’s fifth great invention, were added to the world’s intangible cultural heritage list in November, 2016. The system was based on people’s observations of the sun’s motion throughout the year and its influence on climate, mostly carried out on the lower reaches of the Yellow River where Chinese civilization was born. The system was completely established during the Qin and Han Dynasties. It was crucial to agricultural events such as when to sow seeds and when to harvest. Today, it is still of great help for people to better prepare their bodies for the changes of climate.
      As the first solar term, Start of Spring lifts the curtain of spring. When Start of Spring arrives, days get longer and sunlight gets warmer. Temperature, the length of sunlight and the amount of rainfall are all at the turning points of the year. Similar to crops, human bodies also start a new round of growth from this day. People should open the windows more frequently to allow the air to circulate and take more physical exercises to enhance their immunity. An old Chinese saying goes like this,“Spring begins and rain arrives. Get up early and sleep late.” It is to remind the farmers that the annual farming is about to begin.
      It is believed that if someone can make an egg stand on the day of Start of Spring, he will have good luck in the future. According to astronomers and physicists, setting an egg upright has nothing to do with time, but with mechanics.
      Spring is also the best season for kite flying. As a traditional folk activity, it has a history of more than 2,000 years. It can help build one’s health and prevent diseases. It also has the effect of promoting blood circulation and speeding up metabolism.