二十四节气：大暑
The 24 Solar Terms: Major Heat
Major Heat (Dàshǔ) is the 12th solar term among the 24 Solar Terms and usually occurs between July 22nd and 24th each year. During this period, most regions in China experience the hottest days of the year, with blazing sunshine and sweltering heat lingering in the air. As an old saying goes, “Slight Heat and Major Heat, steaming from above and boiling below,” an apt description of the intense heat and humidity that define this time.
In ancient China’s agrarian society, Major Heat was more than just a sign of the weather; it was closely connected to important agricultural activities. It marked a key period for harvesting early rice and transplanting late-season rice. Farmers had to work efficiently to harvest and sow in time, reflected in the saying, “If you don’t cut the rice during Major Heat, you’ll lose a basket each day.” Major Heat is also regarded as the hottest stage of the "dog days" of summer. People believed that during this time, yang energy reached its peak, and thus, one should follow the rhythm of nature, adjust daily routines, and avoid overexertion.
A bowl of refreshing mung bean soup is a summertime staple, not only helping to clear away internal heat and toxins, but also to cool down the body. On days when heat and humidity combine, a glass of winter melon tea is favored, as it helps to reduce swelling and relieve the discomfort brought by the nonstop muggy weather. Interestingly, although ginger is considered a warming food, there is a popular saying: “Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer,” as moderate consumption of ginger is believed to help release internal dampness and balance the effects of summer heat. To prevent the body from being harmed by the summer heat, people usually avoid going outside under the noon sun and prefer outdoor activities in the early morning or evening. Gentle forms of exercise, such as practicing Tai Chi or taking a stroll, help move the body without causing dehydration or exhaustion.
Along the coastal areas of Zhejiang, fishermen hold the “Major Heat Boat” ceremony: they craft model boats and set them afloat on the sea, praying for favorable weather and safe voyages. This custom reflects not only people’s hopes for a good harvest, but also the spirit of harmony between humans and nature. In places like Fujian and Taiwan, a bowl of cool, silky herbal jelly becomes a favorite treat in the summer heat. Made from mesona, this traditional dessert soothes heat and quenches thirst, making it an essential part of local summer cuisine.
After Major Heat comes "Beginning of Autumn," marking the gradual cooling of the weather. During this transition, people often adjust their diet in preparation for the changing season. Major Heat is a solar term where nature and culture meet; it not only carries ancient wisdom but also continues to shape daily life today. Whether through food therapy, traditional customs, or modern cooling methods, Major Heat serves as a reminder: only by following the rhythms of nature can one pass through the hottest days of summer in comfort and good health.
大暑（Dàshǔ），即"Major Heat"，是二十四节气中的第12个节气，通常出现在公历7月22日至24日之间。此时，中国大部分地区进入一年中最炎热的时期，阳光炽烈，暑气蒸腾。古人云："小暑大暑，上蒸下煮"，形象地描述了大暑时节的高温与潮湿。
在中国古代农耕社会，大暑不仅是天气的象征，也与农事活动紧密相关。此时正值早稻成熟、晚稻插秧的关键时期，农民需抓紧时间收割与播种，故有"大暑不割禾，一天少一箩"的谚语。此外，大暑也被视为"三伏天"中最热的阶段。古人认为此时阳气最盛，需顺应自然，调整作息，避免过度劳累。
一碗清凉的绿豆汤，不仅清热解毒，更能帮助身体降温，是夏日餐桌上的常客。在湿热交加的日子里，一杯冬瓜茶则能利尿消肿，缓解闷热带来的不适。有趣的是，尽管生姜性热，民间却流传着"冬吃萝卜夏吃姜"的说法，认为适量食用生姜有助于排出体内湿气，平衡暑热带来的影响。为了避免暑热伤身，人们通常会避开正午的烈日，选择在清晨或傍晚进行户外活动。运动方式也以舒缓为主，比如太极拳或散步，既能活动筋骨，又不会因剧烈运动导致脱水或体力透支。
在浙江沿海地区，渔民们会举行送"大暑船"的仪式。他们将精心制作的小船放入海中，祈求风调雨顺、出海平安。这一习俗不仅寄托了人们对丰收的期盼，也体现了人与自然和谐共处的理念。而在福建、台湾等地，炎炎夏日里，一碗黑亮滑嫩的"仙草冻"成为消暑佳品。这种由仙草制成的凉粉，口感清凉，具有清热降火的功效，是当地人夏季不可或缺的传统小吃。
此外，大暑后的"立秋"意味着炎热即将消退，因此人们常在此期间调整饮食，为换季做准备。大暑是自然与人文交织的节气，既承载着古人的智慧，也影响着现代生活。无论是通过饮食养生、遵循传统习俗，还是适应现代防暑措施，大暑都提醒我们：顺应自然，方能安然度夏。
👉 关注 水滴英语作文网，用英文传递中华之美，让文化走向世界！
