The 24 traditional Chinese solar terms - Major Heat (12th)

Major Heat is the 12th of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms. It is also called Great Heat, Greater Heat or Great Heat Day.

During Major Heat, most parts of China enter the hottest season of the year.

The climate conditions of sufficient sunshine, high temperature and rainy weather are conducive to the growth of crops in the great summer, but the drought and flood disasters caused by extreme heat and rainstorm also bring severe challenges to crop production.

Like Minor Heat, many natural calamities such as floods, droughts and typhoons also happen during Major Heat. Therefore, it`s important to harvest and plant in time to avoid setbacks caused by natural disasters.

What are the customs and seasonal delicacies of the Major Heat? TianJin LiHe will bring you have a look.

1. Fighting Crickets, known as "Chizhi" in ancient times, are described in July in the book of songs. The number of crickets in rural fields is the largest in the summer solar term. Because male crickets are vigorous and aggressive, fighting crickets has been popular among the people since ancient times.

Cricket fighting is a popular pastime for some people in China during this period. The custom dates back more than 1,000 years to the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

2. Eat litchi , On the big summer day, Putian and other places in Fujian have a tradition of eating litchi and rice lees to celebrate.

Litchi is a nutritious fruit containing glucose and vitamins. People usually soak litchi in cold well water first and eat it. It is said that litchi during Major Heat is as nourishing as ginseng.

3. Eat pineapple, In the summer season, pineapple is sweet and sour and delicious. In addition, pineapple is homonymous with "Wanglai" in Minnan language, which makes eating pineapple a blessing.

There is a saying in Taiwan which goes, "eating pineapples in Major Heat." During the period of Major Heat, pineapple tastes best.

4. Eat "Xiancao jelly", Burning Xiancao, also known as "Xiancao jelly", is a traditional drink in Taiwan, Guangdong and other places in China. It is made of a special kind of grass. Its stems and leaves can be made into Xiancao jelly after being dried in the sun. It has a smooth taste and a cool taste. It is a "standard" for summer heat elimination.