Xiazhi - Chinese Summer Solstice

The summer solstice, or Xiazhi, was the earliest of the 24 solar terms to be identified. In the 7th century BC, our ancestors used an earth sundial to measure the sun's shadow. The yangqi (masculine energy) between heaven and earth comes to its pinnacle on this day, which is called zhi in Chinese. Nature shows a lush scene with replenished summer heat.

Traditional Customs 

Worship God, Ancestors

People celebrated the harvest of wheat, offered sacrifices to their ancestors and prayed against disasters in mid-summer. Therefore, as a holiday, the summer solstice was included in ancient worship rituals.

Avoid Summer Heat

On this day, women exchange gifts such as folding fans and powders. A fan can produce wind and powder can be smeared on the body, helpful to release heat and prevent prickly heat.

Noodles

Eat wonton on winter solstice day and noodles for the summer solstice, says a Chinese proverb. 
There are many types of noodles in southern China, such as Yangchun noodles, dried noodles, noodles with pork, seafood and noodles with sesame oil. In the north, people prefer homemade noodles with fried bean sauce and gravy. Because new wheat has already been harvested around the summer solstice, eating noodles also means to have a new start.

Health Tips for Summer

1. Eat 'Bitter' Foods
Celery is well known for its crunchy stalk. Eating celery may lower inflammation, reduce blood pressure, reduce the risk of cancer and prevente age-related vision loss.
2. Get Up Early 
Adapting to the changes in the natural world of yin and yang, it is highly recommended to get up early. 
The yangqi is conducive to blood running. At this time, daytime is longer than night, so taking a nap at noon is beneficial to the recovery of physical fatigue.
3. Do Acupuncture
A stringent acupuncture half a month before or after the summer solstice is an effective method to treat disease. It is also helpful to cure winter-prone respiratory diseases and osteoarthritis. 
Through acupuncture treatment, people can improve their immunity and keep fit.

(Source: Chinanews.com/Translated and edited by Women of China)

June 21, 2018