Features of Autumn Equinox

Autumn Equinox, the 16th term among the Twenty-four Solar Terms of the lunar calendar, begins on September 22nd or September 23rd each year. Since the Autumn Equinox,most of the areas in China have entered the cool autumn.As it is said in the ancient book,The Detailed Records of the Spring and Autumn Period,“It is on the Autumn Equinox day that the yin and yang are in a balance of power. Thus the day and night are of equal length, and so are the cold and hot weather.”The word Qiufen has two meanings. One is that the Autumn Equinox lies at the midpoint of autumn,dividing autumn into two equal parts. The other is that it equally divides the day and night.

Customs of Autumn Equinox

1. Sacrifice for the moon 祭月节

The original "Moon Festival" was set on the autumn equinox, but there may not be a full moon on this day, so it was later adjusted to the Mid Autumn Festival.

2. Appreciate osmanthus fragrans赏桂花

It is a good season to enjoy sweet-scented osmanthus full blossom around Autumn Equinox. At this time, it is hot in the day and cool in the night in South China, so people have to wear light clothing when it is hot, and put on more clothes when it is getting cooler. This period is named as "Gui hua zheng" in Chinese, which means osmanthus mugginess.

3. Having wild edible amaranth 吃野苋菜

Qiucai is taken back and made into soup with fish, named 'Qiutang' (autumn soup). There is a verse about the soup: 'Drink the soup to clear the liver and intestines, thus the whole family will be safe and healthy.'

4. Making the eggs stand 竖鸡蛋