Lixia Arrives: All Things Grow with Joy
Every year, as May arrives, the traditional festival of Lixia (立夏), or “the Start of Summer,” quietly marks the changing of the seasons. In the Chinese lunar calendar, Lixia is one of the 24 solar terms, and it signals that summer is truly on its way.
During Lixia, the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter. In many parts of China, fields turn lush green, and trees wear their newest leaves. People can feel the warmth in the breeze and see dragonflies darting above the ponds, announcing the vitality of nature.
In the south, families often celebrate Lixia by eating eggs—symbolizing health and strength for the months to come. Some regions have the tradition of weighing children, hoping they will grow healthy and strong during the summer. Markets begin to offer fresh seasonal produce—green plums, cherries, and loquats all appear, adding new colors and flavors to kitchen tables.
Lixia is not just a time for nature’s transformation; it’s a special season for people to embrace outdoor life and enjoy the gifts of summer. Whether flying kites, going on countryside walks, or sharing meals with family, this period is filled with simple yet joyful moments.
As the gateway to summer, Lixia reminds us to welcome new beginnings, feel the harmony between humans and nature, and look forward to brighter, warmer days.
WORD BANK 词汇集锦
solar terms 节气
vitality 活力
produce 农产品
embrace 拥抱，享受
gateway 入口，起点
根据短文内容，完成下列句子。每空一词。
- Lixia is one of the twenty-four ______ terms in China.
- Eating ______ is a Lixia tradition in some southern regions.
- During Lixia, days become ______ and the sun shines brighter.
- Markets offer fresh ______ like green plums and loquats.
- Lixia is seen as the ______ to summer.
立夏来了，万物都在欢喜生长
每年五月，传统节气——立夏，悄然标志着季节的变换。在中国农历的二十四节气中，立夏预示着夏天真正到来了。
立夏时节，白昼渐长，阳光更盛。中国许多地方的田野变得绿意盎然，树木也换上了新叶。人们能在微风中感受到暖意，看见蜻蜓在池塘上穿梭，仿佛在宣告大自然的生机和活力。
南方不少家庭会在立夏吃鸡蛋，寓意健康和力量，希望接下来的日子里身体强壮。一些地区还有给孩子称体重的传统，期盼他们在夏日里健康成长。市场上各类应季水果开始扎堆——青梅、樱桃、枇杷纷纷上市，为餐桌增添了新鲜的色彩和美味。
立夏不仅是自然的变迁，也是人们亲近自然、享受生活的美好时光。无论是放风筝、乡间散步，还是与家人聚餐，这段时光都充满了简单而温馨的快乐。
作为夏天的“开门”，立夏提醒我们迎接新的开始，体会人与自然的和谐，期待更加明亮温暖的日子。
✨ 答案：
1．节气（solar）
2．鸡蛋（eggs）
3．长（longer）
4．农产品（produce）
5．起点/入口（gateway）
