Customs of Grain in Ear

The Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear, (Chinese: 芒种, Mangzhong), the 9th solar term, begins on June 5th this year.

The arrival of Grain in Ear signifies the ripening of crops such as barley and wheat. The word Mangzhong is a pun on “busy planting” in Chinese, which is also an accurate description of how a farmers’ life is during this period of time.

The solar terms were created thousands of years ago to guide agricultural production. The culture remains useful today to guide people's lives through special foods, cultural ceremonies and healthy living tips that correspond with each term.

Below are excerpts from CGTN about e Grain in Ear solar term.

Plum Rain season

Mangzhong usually kicks off a period of abundant rainfall, and in southern China, this period of time has a special name – the “Plum Rain” season.

Plum Rains, often occurring during June and July, refer to the long period of continuous rainy or cloudy weather. This happens to be the time for plums to ripen, which explains the origin of its name. Plum Rains are a good period for growing rice, vegetables and fruits.

Plum wine: the drink that makes time better

The Plum Rain may be annoying, but not the plum wine, a drink that has been popular among the Chinese for thousands of years.

Chinese ancestors created many diverse ways of cooking plums. The fruit is beneficial for the human body in many ways, but it tastes sour and is disagreeable if eaten fresh.

Therefore, the ancient Chinese brewed wines with the plums. They would put plums into rice wine and mixed this with crystal sugar, later they would seal the mixture in a bottle for 30 days before drinking. Such drinks are widely loved by not only the Chinese, but many other citizens in Asia.

Today, people also make plum wine with alcohol, and such drinks can be preserved for years. As it is such an ancient drink, there are also many stories related to the drink, giving it a profound cultural significance as well.

Pray for a good harvest

"An Miao" (meaning seedling protection) is a traditional farming activity of southern Anhui province that has been practiced since the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Every year when Grain in Ear comes, they hold the sacrificial ceremony to pray for good harvests in the fall. People make different types of bread from wheat flour and color them with vegetable juice. The bread is used as a sacrificial offering to pray for a good harvest and people's safety.

Say farewell to the Flower Goddess

In modern society, Mangzhong is no longer widely celebrated as a special event, except in the farmlands. However, in the past, it was a day dedicated to cheering for young girls – a day to say farewell to the flower gods.

On the first day of Mangzhong, girls would make horses and sedans using silk or willow branches and flowers and tie them on every tree and every flower. It was a ceremony to see off the flower gods, as the spring ends.

It was contrary to the welcoming ceremony of the flower gods, which was marked on the second day of the second lunar month, when the spring begins.

Mud wrestling

Youngsters of the Dong people in southwestern Guizhou province hold mud wrestling matches during Grain in Ear. On this day newlyweds, accompanied by their good friends, plant rice together. While planting, they throw mud at each other. At the end of this activity, whoever has the most mud on them proves they are the most popular person.

Have light food

Do not eat greasy or strongly flavored food during Grain in Ear, that's the healthcare advice given more than a thousand years ago by Chinese pharmaceutical expert Sun Simiao (孙思邈) of the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907).

Generally, vegetables and coarse grains that work to lower blood pressure and cholesterol should be the first choice. During this season, people are encouraged to consume less lamb, pork, hot peppers, onions and ginger, especially if they are frequently feeling thirsty and tired.

Eat fruits and vegetables with cool nature

The weather is hot during the Grain in Ear period, therefore vegetables and fruits of a cool nature are recommended.

The balsam pear is a classic choice. It contains a lot of natural and nourishing water. It's also said to have healing properties that are good for patients suffering from high blood pressure or high blood sugar.

Other recommendations include tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, celery, asparagus, watermelon and strawberry. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theories, they are all cool-natured and can help eliminate heat in the body and promote digestion.

Source: 

https://news.cgtn.com/news/3d3d514f3541544f77457a6333566d54/index.html

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