Get ready for autumn Chinese style with our guide to the noteworthy dates and traditional customs of the season!
Solar Term: ‘White Dew’ (September 8th)
At this time of the year, temperatures at night and during the day are very different, resulting in more moisture condensing in the grass. This solar term is named after this dew. The phrase 白露秋风夜，一夜凉一夜 (Night with white dew and wind, cooler night by night) describes the temperature changes.
In ancient China, there were many customs associated with this solar term. For example, people in Jiangsu drank white dew tea, which is said to be sweeter in flavour than summer tea, and white dew wine. People in Wenzhou would gather ten herbal medicines on the first day of White Dew. The names of these herbal medicines all contain the Chinese word “bai” (白, white), such as white hibiscus (白木槿), white peony root (白芍) and white lotus (白莲). In Tancheng county in Shandong province, children played with wooden carts in the shape of a swallow on the first day of White Dew. This was a common handicraft in the region, and was believed to help the children exercise, therefore making them stronger in preparation for the winter.
Solar Term: Autumn Equinox (September 23rd)
On an equinox, day and night are equal length, and the autumn equinox is the 16th solar term. The idea that eggs can stand on their ends unsupported at the equinox supposedly originated in ancient China (though of course it’ll work at any time if the egg is older and the contents are at one end!). Popular foods in season at this time include osmanthus, pears, chestnuts and hairy crab, so this is a great time to enjoy them!
The Hakka people, who come from the Fujian region, have some traditions at the autumn equinox, including making autumn soup (秋汤) with wild amaranth and fish, which is said to cleanse the liver and intestines. At this time, to ward off birds who might destroy their harvest, they carry out a custom called ‘sticking the sparrow’s beak shut’ (粘雀子嘴). Each family makes some small glutinous rice balls without any filling. The balls are then skewered and placed in the fields in the hope they’ll be eaten instead of the crops!
Confucius’ Birthday (September 28th)
Ceremonies are held throughout the country on this day to honour China’s greatest sage, whose teachings remain at the heart of Chinese culture even after 2,727 years. The most elaborate are held at the ancestral temple in Confucius’ hometown, Qufu in Shandong, and the second largest temple in the country in Beijing. The ceremonies start before dawn and include processions, speeches, musical performances and dancing, all carried out in traditional costumes. Unfortunately these aren’t open to the public for viewing.
Mid-Autumn Festival (September 29th)
One of the year’s major celebrations, at Mid-Autumn festival people traditionally gathered together to appreciate the full moon and celebrate the harvest by giving thanks and praying. People ate a big dinner and mooncakes with family. Nowadays you can find mooncakes everywhere from mid-August onwards, from the smallest supermarket to luxury hotels. They consist of a soft fillling encased in pastry. There are many different fillings which include red bean, lotus paste and a whole salty egg yolk, which symbolises the moon. If you’re not with your family on the eve of the festival you should look up at the moon and think of them far away!
Will you be observing any of these traditional customs this month? Let us know in the comments below. We would love to hear your thoughts and insights on traditional Chinese culture!
Photo Credits
– Cultural Keys. Top Image: The Confucius Temple in Qufu.
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Cultural Keys helps you access, understand and enjoy life in China through traditional Chinese culture. Click here to read more about Cultural Keys and what we can do for you, your school, company or group to help you get more out of your time in China!