The Grain Rain is one of the twenty-four solar terms, and it has its own origin and traditional customs. If you are not familiar with the Grain Rain term, after reading this article, you will know the taboos of Grain Rain, as well as what to pay attention to on this day.

What are the taboos of Grain Rain?

In terms of the whole country, there is a custom taboo that is relatively universal, which is the "Grain Rain prohibiting scorpions." Scorpions are poisonous arthropods, considered one of the "Five Toxins" by the folk, and are objects of expulsion. Posting talismans on walls is the most common way to prohibit scorpions during the Grain Rain. In Lingshi and Yicheng of Shanxi, people write words like "On the day of Grain Rain, at the time of Grain Rain, reciting the prohibition of scorpions, requesting the protection of the Grain Rain God, all scorpions will turn into dust and ashes" on the prohibition talismans, in order to prohibit scorpions and pray for safety. Other regions across the country also have activities to prohibit scorpions.

What should not be done on this day?

In the areas of the Zhuang nationality in China, there is a custom of prohibiting fire in the wild on the day of Grain Rain. According to legend, the time of Grain Rain is just the season when it is good to rain. If people live in the wild on this day, they will anger the Thunder God, leading to less rain in the year and continuous drought, affecting people's agricultural production. Therefore, even if people need to sweep tombs or worship the mountains, no one will set off firecrackers, burn paper money, or offer incense outside. In other words, in the areas of the Zhuang nationality in China, it is not allowed to light fires in the wild on the day of Grain Rain. This is not only a way to follow traditional customs, but also a way to emphasize safety in the wild.

What foods are suitable for this solar term?

During the Grain Rain period, the yang energy of heaven and earth rises sharply, it is the season between spring and summer, and also a time when the liver is strong and the spleen is weak. Because of weak spleen and stomach, people are prone to loss of appetite. Therefore, in terms of diet, we should appropriately eat more foods that can nourish blood and qi, or clear heat and moisten dryness, nourish blood and soften the liver, and avoid eating too much cold food. During the Grain Rain, it is important to take care of the stomach and intestines, and many foods can become your choices, such as wood ear fungus, spinach, and yam are all good options.