As the clock struck 8:04 AM Beijing time on September 23rd, we marked the arrival of the Autumn Equinox, the sixteenth solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar and the fourth of the autumn season. This day holds a special balance, as daylight and night are perfectly equal, and the warmth of summer gives way to the crispness of fall.
What does the "equinox" truly represent? It signifies two distinct forms of balance. First, the balance of daylight, when the sun aligns directly with the equator, granting equal hours to both day and night. Second, it is the midpoint of autumn itself, for while the season begins with the Start of Autumn and concludes with Frost's Descent, the equinox sits squarely in the middle, perfectly cleaving the season in two.
The equinox unfolds in three observable phases. The first phase sees the fading of thunder as its rumbles gradually disappear. During the second, insects burrow into the earth, sealing their homes to prepare for hibernation. The third phase notes the receding of waters, as lakes and rivers begin to lower their levels.
This is also a time of cherished customs. The tradition of standing an egg on its end, chosen for its symbolic balance, has been enjoyed for generations. In the Lingnan region, people gather wild greens to cook, offering prayers for household peace and good health. As the saying goes, "When autumn winds blow, crab legs itch," for the crabs during this period are at their richest, their roe and paste reaching full, savory perfection.
The equinox is, above all, a season of abundant harvest. Much of the nation is absorbed in the busy work of the "Three Autumns." Corn and rice glow with a full, brilliant gold, while peppers and persimmons burn with a passionate red, together painting a magnificent picture of the autumnal harvest. Since 2018, this day has been officially honored as the Chinese Farmers' Harvest Festival, a time when orchards are full and granaries overflow, and the vast fields display a jubilant scene of plenty.
Yet, with this season comes a shift in the weather. A common adage warns that "each autumn rain brings a chill," as cold air becomes more active after the equinox and temperatures begin their steady decline. It is wise to add layers of clothing for warmth and to nourish the body with foods like pears, pomegranates, lotus root, and lilies, which help moisten the lungs and clear internal dryness.
As we reflect on the cycle of sowing in spring and reaping in autumn, we are reminded that every season of hard work yields its own golden rewards. May you, in this golden season, gather a bountiful harvest and return with your hands full of nature's finest offerings.
Produced by the AI Guiyang Studio, with planning, writing, and design by Song Dezheng, and visuals generated by artificial intelligence.
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