For international friends exploring the traditional Chinese calendar, “Grain Buds” (Xiaoman) is a term rich with profound Eastern philosophy. It is the eighth of the 24 Solar Terms, usually falling between May 20th and 22nd in the Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, while the Chinese calendar has terms for Minor and Major Heat, or Minor and Major Snow, there is a “Grain Buds” but no “Grain Full.”
What is “Grain Buds”?
In Chinese, “Xiao” means small or slight, and “Man” means full or abundant. An ancient Chinese proverb states, “By this time, things have become slightly full.” The meaning of Xiaoman varies by region:
- In Northern China (Grains): Winter wheat and other summer crops begin to plump up, but they are not yet fully ripe. They are “slightly full,” but not completely mature.
- In Southern China (Rain): Rainfall increases significantly, causing rivers and lakes to rise. The landscape becomes “almost full” of water.
The name “Grain Buds” reflects a core Chinese philosophy: “Pride leads to loss, while modesty brings gain.” Never seeking absolute perfection, leaving a little room for growth, and being “almost full” is considered the most ideal state of life.
Nature’s Signals: The Three Pentads of Grain Buds
Ancient Chinese divided Grain Buds into three pentads (each lasting five days) to record the subtle changes in nature during early summer:
- First Pentad: Bitter Herbs Flourish. Wild bitter herbs grow lush and vibrant, making it the perfect time to forage and eat them.
- Second Pentad: Fine Grasses Wither. Delicate, shade-loving grasses begin to wither under the intense summer sunlight.
- Third Pentad: Wheat Harvest Approaches. Although it is still early summer, for the wheat, it is like its “autumn” (harvest season). The golden wheat fields are on the verge of being reaped.
Down-to-Earth Customs
Grain Buds marks the beginning of intense farming activities and has spawned many traditional customs rooted in daily life:
1. Worshipping the Water Cart God
In the Jiangnan region, there is a saying: “Set the three carts in motion during Grain Buds,” referring to water, oil, and silk carts. To pray for sufficient water, farmers would offer sacrifices to the “Water Cart God” (legendary a white dragon) and splash a cup of water into the fields, symbolizing an abundant water supply. Meanwhile, rapeseed is harvested for oil, and silkworm farmers begin reeling silk.
2. Praying for Silkworms
Legend has it that Grain Buds is the birthday of the Silkworm Goddess. Silkworms are very delicate; temperature and the moisture of mulberry leaves can affect their survival. Therefore, silkworm-raising families in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces hold ceremonies to pray for a bountiful cocoon harvest.
3. Eating Bitter Herbs
There is a Chinese saying: “Eat bitter herbs during Grain Buds, and you won’t suffer bitterness all summer.” These herbs have a bitter yet sweet taste and are believed to clear internal heat. Eating them in early summer reflects the Chinese wisdom of adapting to the seasons for better health.
Conclusion
Grain Buds is a poem about balance and hope. With its half-ripe wheat and rising waters, it teaches the Chinese people the virtues of contentment and modesty.
Next time you taste a slightly bitter wild green or see a golden wheat field during this season, take a moment to feel this millennia-old Eastern wisdom—a little satisfaction, full of hope, makes for a beautiful time in life.
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