24 Solar Terms — Chinese Calendar Database

The first of the twenty-four solar terms and the traditional beginning of the year in the calendrical sense.

The term at which precipitation replaces snow and the agricultural year begins in earnest.

The term of first thunder, when hibernating animals are said to be roused.

The equinox — the day of equal light, and the midpoint of spring.

The only solar term that is also a major festival — the day of tomb sweeping.

The last spring term — rain that supports the grain, and the close of the sowing window.

The first summer term — the point at which the season is declared to have turned.

The term of filling — the grain is formed but not yet ripe.

The term of the busiest sowing — the point at which both harvest and planting are due.

The longest day — the sun's northernmost point and the peak of yang.

The onset of the hot season — heat that is present but not yet at its peak.

The hottest term of the year, and the last of summer.

The opening term of autumn — declared at the beginning of August regardless of the weather.

The term at which the heat is said to stop — the retreat of summer's peak.

The term of first dew — the visible sign that the air has turned.

The second equinox — equal light again, and the midpoint of autumn.

The term at which the dew turns cold — the step beyond White Dew.

The last autumn term — first frost, and the close of the growing season.

The opening term of winter — the season of storage and of what is held.

The first snow term — light snow, and the beginning of the cold proper.

The heavier snow term — the middle of winter in the calendar.

The shortest day — the sun's southernmost point, and traditionally the most important of the twenty-four.

The first of the two cold terms — the onset of the coldest part of the year.

The last of the twenty-four — the closing term of the year.