The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. 【小题1】 The temperature will rise quickly during this period in most areas. Here are four things to learn about the Start of Summer.

Greeting Start of Summer.

The Start of Summer was originated at the end of the Warring States Period. Since it is a key time for the harvest of summer crops, ancient Chinese emperors in different dynasties attached great importance to the Start of Summer. 【小题2】 It’s said that most of the decorations were arranged in the color red, in order to show respect to the god of summer and expect a good harvest.

【小题3】

The custom of weighing people at the Start of Summer originated from the Three Kingdoms Period and is popular in South China today. It was believed this practice would bring health and good luck to the people weighted. It is said those who were weighed would stay healthy in the hot summer and those who weren’t would suffer illness.

Eating eggs.

In ancient China, people believed a round egg symbolized a happy life and eating eggs on the day of Start of Summer was a prayer for good health. They put leftover tea into boiled water together with eggs and the original “tea egg” was created. Later people improved cooking methods and added spices to the eggs to make them taste delicious. 【小题4】

Taking care of the heart.

【小题5】 When the weather grows hotter, dampness and heat can affect human health. Food rich in vitamins and cool in nature is highly recommended. Vegetables, such as cucumber, tomato, watercress and celery and fruits that include watermelon, pear and strawberry are top recommendations.