春 Spring 六节气
Spring begins — the first faint stirrings of warmth.
Snow gives way to the season’s first rains.
Spring thunder wakes the hibernating creatures.
Day and night in perfect balance.
Clear and bright — tomb-sweeping and green outings. (also a festival)
Rains feed the young grain; the prized early tea harvest.
夏 Summer 六节气
Summer begins; the fields turn lush.
Grains begin to plump, not yet full.
Bearded grains ripen — the busiest planting days.
The longest day of the year.
The heat sets in.
The hottest days of the year.
秋 Autumn 六节气
Autumn begins with a first hint of cool.
The heat finally retreats.
Cool nights bead the grass with dew.
Day and night balance once more.
Dew turns cold; deep autumn arrives.
The first frosts; the maples redden.
冬 Winter 六节气
Winter begins — a time to store and rest.
The first light snows.
Heavy snows blanket the north.
The longest night — dumplings north, tangyuan south. (also a festival)
Deep cold settles in.
The coldest days — then spring returns.