The solar terms are a supplementary calendar established in ancient China specifically to guide agricultural activities. They are the crystallization of the long-term experience and wisdom accumulated by the working people of the Chinese nation.

The 24 solar terms originated in the Yellow River Basin, were gradually refined during the Warring States Period, and were officially incorporated into the calendar during the Western Han Dynasty. Over time, their connotations and applications have continued to enrich and develop, playing a vital role in agricultural production and influencing people's lifestyles, customs, and culinary culture.

The 24 solar terms are: Beginning of Spring, Rain Water, Waking of Insects, Vernal Equinox, Tomb-Sweeping Day, Grain Rain, Beginning of Summer, Grain Full, Grain in Ear, Summer Solstice, Lesser Heat, Greater Heat, Beginning of Autumn, End of Heat, White Dew, Autumnal Equinox, Cold Dew, Frost Descent, Beginning of Winter, Light Snow, Heavy Snow, Winter Solstice, Lesser Cold, Greater Cold.

Solar term

The Beginning of Autumn, the thirteenth of the twenty-four solar terms, marks the beginning of autumn. 

The Beginning of Autumn signifies a turning point  in the year, with precipitation and humidity decreasing or falling. From the Beginning of Autumn onward, yang energy gradually recedes, and all things become more introverted. Along with the Beginning of Spring, the Beginning of Summer, and the Beginning of Winter, the Beginning of Autumn is known as one of the "Four Beginnings" and one of the "Four Seasons and Eight Festivals" in ancient times. Autumn is the season for the ripening of grains and the harvest.

In ancient times, after the Beginning of Autumn, people would choose an auspicious day to offer sacrifices and thank the gods and ancestors for their blessings. 

They would also try the newly harvested rice and grains to celebrate their hard work.

In addition, there are many other Beginning of Autumn customs: offering sacrifices to the land god, eating autumn melons, putting on weight, and drying food in the sun.