谷yu is one of the twenty-four solar terms in China, and it is also the last solar term of the Spring Festival. So, what is the position of the Grain Rain (Gu Yu) in the list of the twenty-four solar terms? What are the customs and traditions associated with the Grain Rain? Let's find out together. Every lunar month has many folk customs. Do you want to know what fun folk customs there are in the third lunar month? Please follow Huayi Network.

What is the position of the Grain Rain in the list of the twenty-four solar terms?

The Grain Rain is the sixth solar term;
Grain Rain is the sixth solar term of the twenty-four solar terms. It occurs annually when the sun reaches 30 degrees of the ecliptic, usually between April 19th and 21st. The name comes from the ancient saying "Rain gives birth to a hundred grains." It is also the best time for sowing seedlings and planting melons and beans. "Clear and Bright stops snow, Grain Rain stops frost," according to meteorological experts, Grain Rain is the last solar term of spring. The arrival of the Grain Rain solar term means that cold air weather has basically ended, and the temperature is rising rapidly, which is very beneficial for the growth of grain crops.
The word "rain" refers to "the rain gives birth to a hundred grains." Grain Rain is the last solar term of spring. In this season, when spring is about to end and summer is coming, the water plants in ponds begin to grow, and the spring tea is also harvested around this time. At this moment, it gives people a feeling of vigorous growth and prosperity. As the saying goes, "The whole year's planning lies in spring." When entering the Grain Rain solar term in the Gregorian calendar, although it shares the character "rain" with the Rain Water (Yu Shui) solar term in early spring, the meanings are quite different. The Rain Water solar term does not see snowflakes falling, but listens quietly to the sound of spring rain, indicating that the Yellow River basin begins to have rain.

What are the customs and traditions of the Grain Rain?

1. Sea Sacrifice
During the Grain Rain period, the sea water warms up, and various fish move to shallow waters, making it a good day for fishing at sea. Fishermen hold a sea sacrifice on the day of Grain Rain, praying to the sea god for protection. Therefore, the Grain Rain festival is also called the "Farewell Festival" for fishermen going to sea to fish.
2. Walking for Grain Rain
There was once a custom of "walking for Grain Rain." On the day of Grain Rain, young women would visit relatives in villages, some even taking a walk in the wild and returning. This symbolizes integration with nature and physical fitness.
3. Worshiping Cangjie
In BaiShui County, Shaanxi, there is a custom of worshipping Cangjie, the ancestor of writing. According to legend, Cangjie created the characters, and his achievements were unparalleled, so the Yellow Emperor rewarded him with "a shower of millet." From then on, there was a "Grain Rain" festival. Since then, every year on the Grain Rain festival, nearby villagers organize temple fairs to commemorate Cangjie.
4. Picking Tea
According to legend, drinking tea on the day of Grain Rain can clear heat, ward off evil spirits, and improve eyesight. Therefore, on the day of Grain Rain, no matter what the weather is like, people will go to the tea mountains to pick some fresh tea to drink.
5. Eating Fragrant Sprouts
The time around Grain Rain is the season when fragrant sprouts become available. At this time, the fragrant sprouts are tender and delicious, with high nutritional value, as the saying goes, "The sprouts before the rain are as soft as silk."
6. Prohibiting Scorpions
In the past, in the area of Linfen, Shanxi, people would draw a portrait of Zhang Tianshi and paste it on the door on the day of Grain Rain, known as "Prohibiting Scorpions"; in the area of Fengxiang, Shaanxi, they used woodblock printing to make "Prohibiting Scorpions" charms, showing a high demand. Some areas in Shandong also have the custom of "Prohibiting Scorpions." This reflects people's desire to eliminate pests and hope for a bountiful harvest and peace.
7. Viewing Flowers
The time around Grain Rain is also an important period for peonies to bloom. Therefore, peonies are also called "Grain Rain Flowers." "Viewing peonies three days after Grain Rain," viewing peonies has become an important entertainment activity during leisure time.
8. Bathing
In the northwest region, in the past, people called the river water during the Grain Rain festival "Peach Blossom Water." According to legend, bathing in it can remove disasters and avoid misfortune. On the Grain Rain festival, people use "Peach Blossom Water" for bathing and hold activities such as hunting and dancing to celebrate.
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