<p class="ql-block">用英语传播中国文化（一）</p><p class="ql-block"><b>24 Solar Terms Introduction</b></p><p class="ql-block">Introduction to the 24 Solar Terms</p><p class="ql-block">The 24 Solar Terms, a knowledge system and social practice formed through observation of the sun's annual motion, represent the changes of seasons, climate, and phenology throughout the year. This ancient timekeeping system, created by the Chinese more than 2,000 years ago, is not only a treasure of Chinese agricultural culture but also a manifestation of the wisdom of the Chinese nation in respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature.</p><p class="ql-block">Historical Background</p><p class="ql-block">The 24 Solar Terms originated during the Zhou Dynasty and was formalized during the Western Han Dynasty. It divides the Earth's orbit around the sun into 360 degrees, with each 15-degree segment representing a solar term. There are a total of 24 solar terms, marking the passage of time and guiding agricultural activities. In 2016, the 24 Solar Terms were inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.</p><p class="ql-block">The 24 Solar Terms in Detail</p><p class="ql-block">The 24 Solar Terms consist of 12 major solar terms and 12 minor solar terms, interlaced with each other. Starting from the Vernal Equinox, the 12 major solar terms are:</p><p class="ql-block">Vernal Equinox (春分) - Marking the equal distribution of day and night.</p><p class="ql-block">Grain Rain (谷雨) - The period of heavy rain that nourishes grains.</p><p class="ql-block">Corn Forms (小满) - Grains begin to mature but are not fully ripe.</p><p class="ql-block">Summer Solstice (夏至) - The longest day of the year.</p><p class="ql-block">Great Heat (大暑) - The hottest period of the summer.</p><p class="ql-block">End of Heat (处暑) - The end of the hot summer.</p><p class="ql-block">Autumnal Equinox (秋分) - Another day of equal day and night, marking the midpoint of autumn.</p><p class="ql-block">Frost (霜降) - The first appearance of frost.</p><p class="ql-block">Light Snow (小雪) - The beginning of snowy weather.</p><p class="ql-block">Winter Solstice (冬至) - The shortest day of the year.</p><p class="ql-block">Severe Cold (大寒) - The coldest period of the year.</p><p class="ql-block">Spring Showers (雨水) - The increase in rainfall, marking the beginning of spring.</p><p class="ql-block">The minor solar terms following the Vernal Equinox are:</p><p class="ql-block">Clear and Bright (清明) - A time for sweeping tombs and enjoying spring outings.</p><p class="ql-block">Summer Commences (立夏) - The beginning of summer.</p><p class="ql-block">Corn on Ear (芒种) - The peak period for planting and harvesting crops.</p><p class="ql-block">Moderate Heat (小暑) - Slightly hot weather before the Great Heat.</p><p class="ql-block">Autumn Commences (立秋) - The beginning of autumn.</p><p class="ql-block">White Dew (白露) - The formation of dew as the weather cools.</p><p class="ql-block">Cold Dew (寒露) - Colder weather with the first frost possible.</p><p class="ql-block">Winter Commences (立冬) - The beginning of winter.</p><p class="ql-block">Heavy Snow (大雪) - Heavy snowfall.</p><p class="ql-block">Moderate Cold (小寒) - Cold weather before the Severe Cold.</p><p class="ql-block">Spring Commences (立春) - The official beginning of spring.</p><p class="ql-block">Insects Waken (惊蛰) - Insects emerge from hibernation.</p><p class="ql-block"><br></p><p class="ql-block">Cultural Significance and Practices</p><p class="ql-block">The 24 Solar Terms have guided agricultural production for thousands of years, instructing farmers on temperature changes, planting, and harvesting. They have also influenced Chinese folk customs, such as the Winter Solstice festival, which evolved into a day to worship Heaven and ancestors. Today, the 24 Solar Terms continue to influence Chinese daily life, reminding people to adapt to seasonal changes through food and cultural rituals.</p><p class="ql-block">Seasonal customs are still popular, such as eating spring pancakes on the Start of Spring, sweeping ancestors' tombs during Qingming, gaining weight to keep warm at the Start of Autumn, and eating nutritious food to store energy at the Start of Winter. These practices have become indispensable rituals in Chinese life, reflecting the nation's respect for nature and its harmonious coexistence with it.</p><p class="ql-block">Conclusion</p><p class="ql-block">The 24 Solar Terms are a unique and valuable cultural heritage of the Chinese nation. They represent the wisdom and creativity of the Chinese people in observing and adapting to nature. Through the propagation of the 24 Solar Terms in English, we can share this beautiful and profound cultural tradition with the world, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation.</p><p class="ql-block">This introduction to the 24 Solar Terms aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this ancient and important timekeeping system. By sharing this knowledge in English, we hope to promote cultural exchange and appreciation among different nations.</p>