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What are the 24 Solar Terms? Understanding the 24 Solar Terms and How to Calculate Them in 2023.

The 24 solar terms are 24 unique points on Earth's journey around the sun. Calculating and understanding these solar terms for 2023 is crucial for agricultural planning, as it provides a strategic advantage for farmers to optimize their crop cycles and yield better harvests.

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3 August, 2024

Exploring the 24 solar terms is beneficial for understanding weather patterns and auspicious timings for important events. So, what are the 24 solar terms, and how are they calculated for 2023? Let’s delve into these questions in detail below.

1 Understanding Solar Terms

What are the 24 solar terms?

The 24 solar terms refer to 24 unique points in the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. As the Earth revolves, there are 24 specific points, each separated by exactly 15 degrees.

When observing the solar calendar, we divide the plane of space into 360 degrees. The days when the Sun is at the following longitudes: 0⁰, 15⁰, 30⁰, 45⁰, 60⁰, 75⁰, 90⁰, 105⁰, 120⁰, 135⁰, 150⁰, 165⁰, 180⁰, 195⁰, 210⁰, 225⁰, 240⁰, 255⁰, 270⁰, 285⁰, 300⁰, 315⁰, 330⁰, and 345⁰ are called solar terms, corresponding to 24 distinct terms.

24 unique points corresponding to 24 solar terms

Classification of the 24 Solar Terms

There are four criteria for classifying the 24 solar terms:

8 solar terms representing changes in hot and cold: Spring Begins, Spring Equinox; Summer Begins, Summer Solstice; Autumn Begins and Autumn Equinox; Winter Begins, Winter Solstice.
5 solar terms indicating temperature changes: Spring Begins, Spring Equinox; Summer Begins, Summer Solstice; Autumn Begins and Autumn Equinox; Winter Begins, Winter Solstice.
7 solar terms related to water, moisture, and rain: Rain Water, Grain Rain, White Dew,,, Minor Snow,.
4 solar terms representing phenomena:惊蛰 (Jīng zhé), 清明 (Qīng míng), 小满 (Xiǎo mǎn), and芒种 (Máng zhǒng).

Each solar term holds multiple meanings, and their classifications are based on their unique characteristics and the phenomena they represent.

Classification of the 24 solar terms based on different criteria

Significance of the 24 Solar Terms

The 24 solar terms originated from the Baiyue ethnic group and are used for calendar-making in Eastern countries such as Vietnam, Japan, and China.

In ancient times, the method of calculating the solar calendar was intricate. Our ancestors combined the lunar calendar with the solar year to forecast changes in days, months, and years, as well as seasonal transitions. This knowledge was extensively applied in agriculture to determine planting and harvesting schedules according to the seasons.

Moreover, the 24 solar terms hold significance in determining auspicious and inauspicious days and guiding decisions on important undertakings.

Significance of the 24 solar terms in traditional daily life

2 Calculating the Solar Terms for 2023

Solar Terms for Spring 2023

Spring Begins: This term signals the beginning of everything, marking the arrival of a new year and a new cycle for the universe.

Spring Festival usually falls on February 4 or 5 on the Gregorian calendar. The Sun is at 315 degrees.

Rain Water: Being related to rain and water, this term signifies the wettest and rainiest period of the year. During Grain Rain, the sky clears after rainfall. Spring winds bring moisture, leading to floods and high humidity.

Grain Rain may occur on February 19 or 20 on the Gregorian calendar each year. The Sun is at 330 degrees.

Insects Awaken: With a peculiar name, this term signifies the awakening of insects. The weather becomes favorable, marking the beginning of spring and new life. Trees bud and blossom, and insects thrive.

Insects Awaken typically falls on March 6 or 7 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 345 degrees.

Spring Equinox: This term holds great significance in agriculture, signifying the midpoint of spring. After this day, the Sun’s position gradually shifts towards the Northern Hemisphere. Days lengthen, and nights shorten. The weather becomes warmer, bidding farewell to winter’s chill.

Spring Equinox can occur on March 21 or 22 on the Gregorian calendar each year. The Sun is at 0 degrees.

Tomb-Sweeping Day: This term brings clear skies and pleasant weather for people to visit and pay respects to their ancestors. The climate is ideal, with a warm and refreshing atmosphere, and all life feels renewed as trees blossom.

Tomb-Sweeping Day, or Pure Brightness, usually falls on April 4 or 5 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 15 degrees.

Spring – the season of budding and blossoming

Grain Rain: Grain Rain is characterized by heavy rainfall. The climate shifts, signaling the transition to summer. Intense rainfall nourishes all life, making trees flourish and soil fertile.

Grain Rain may occur on April 20 or 21 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 30 degrees.

Solar Terms for Summer 2023

Summer Begins: Marking the onset of summer, this term brings a rapid increase in temperature. The weather turns scorching, with thunderstorms and storms in some regions due to temperature changes. Trees grow rapidly and thrive during this period.

Summer Begins can occur on May 6 or 7 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 45 degrees.

Lesser Fullness: Contrary to its name, this term signifies small groups of summer rainfall and minor floods.

Lesser Fullness may fall on May 21 or 22. The Sun is at 60 degrees.

Grain Buds: This term indicates a bountiful harvest, with thriving agriculture and abundant life in grains and cereals. The weather is hot and occasionally humid, with sudden rainfall. During this period, one can observe the rising of the Milky Way.

Grain Buds may occur on June 5 or 6 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 75 degrees.

Summer Solstice: Marking the peak of summer, this term brings long days and short nights. Hence the saying, “In May, it’s not yet night when you lie down, and in October, it’s already dark when you laugh.”

Summer Solstice can occur on June 21 or 22 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 90 degrees.

Lesser Heat: The weather during this term is slightly milder, with gentle sunshine. However, the overall sensation remains hot, though not at its peak. This period is characterized by sultry weather, sometimes accompanied by floods and thunderstorms.

Lesser Heat may fall on July 7 or 8 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 105 degrees.

Greater Heat: This term brings intense heat and humidity, often resulting in typhoons and tropical depressions.

Greater Heat may occur on July 22 or 23 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 120 degrees.

Summer solar terms – the Sun shines brightly

Solar Terms for Autumn 2023

Autumn Begins: Similar to Spring Begins, Summer Begins, and Winter Begins, Autumn Begins signifies the start of autumn. The weather is delightful, with a gentle breeze and cooler evenings. This term evokes the scent of osmanthus and the taste of fresh autumn rice.

Autumn Begins may fall on August 7 or 8 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 135 degrees.

End of Heat: This term brings heavy rainfall, marking the transition from the scorching heat of summer to the refreshing climate of autumn.

End of Heat can occur on August 23 or 24 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 150 degrees.

White Dew: The weather becomes cooler, with gentle sunshine. Evenings may bring a slight chill and dew.

White Dew may occur on September 8 or 9 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 165 degrees.

Autumn Equinox: This term signifies the true arrival of autumn, with no remnants of summer’s heat. Many trees begin to shed their leaves, creating a peaceful and picturesque scene.

Autumn Equinox can fall on September 22 or 23 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 180 degrees.

Cold Dew: Also known as Han Lu, this term brings cooler weather. For countries in the Northern Hemisphere, like Vietnam, the days become shorter as the Sun moves further away, resulting in less sunlight and gradually colder temperatures.

Cold Dew may occur on October 8 or 9 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 195 degrees.

Frost Descent: This term marks the beginning of frost and foggy mornings. The early morning, evening, and nighttime hours are characterized by heavy dew and frost, which can be detrimental to crops.

Frost Descent may occur on October 23 or 24 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 210 degrees.

Solar Terms for Winter 2023

Winter Begins: Signifying the start of winter, this term brings frequent cold fronts from the north. Temperatures drop, and days become shorter while nights lengthen.

Winter Begins may fall on November 7 or 8 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 225 degrees.

Minor Snow: During this term, snow begins to fall, but it is sparse and light. In countries like Vietnam, which do not experience snowfall, this phenomenon is less noticeable compared to regions like China and South Korea.

Minor Snow may occur on November 22 or 23 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 240 degrees.

Major Snow: As the name suggests, this term brings heavy snowfall. Winter truly sets in, with extremely low temperatures and strong cold fronts. Northern countries will be covered in snow.

Major Snow may occur on December 7 or 8 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 255 degrees.

Winter Solstice: Marking the midpoint of winter, this term brings late sunrises and early sunsets, with the coldest temperatures occurring around 6-7 a.m.

Winter Solstice can fall on December 21 or 22 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 270 degrees.

Lesser Cold: This term brings moderate cold, without the extreme chill. While there may be occasional cold snaps, they are more bearable. The intensity of the cold fronts has not yet reached its peak.

Lesser Cold may occur on January 5 or 6 on the Gregorian calendar annually. The Sun is at 285 degrees.

Major Cold: This term brings extremely cold weather. The climate is frigid, with temperatures dropping to their lowest points, piercing through bones. Plants and animals are significantly impacted, and many perish due to the harsh conditions.

The winter solar terms are characterized by biting cold.

This concludes the 24 solar terms, completing a full cycle. A new cycle then begins with Spring Begins, and life flourishes anew with vigor.

A new cycle commences

Thus, we conclude our exploration of the 24 solar terms and their calculations for 2023. Hopefully, this article has enriched your understanding of this fascinating topic.

Frequently asked questions

The 24 Solar Terms are special points in a year that reflect the changes in climate and the cycle of the seasons. They are used to guide agricultural activities and daily life, and have been an important part of Chinese culture for over 2000 years.

The 24 Solar Terms are calculated based on the winter solstice. Each term is approximately 15 days long, and they are divided into 12 major terms and 12 minor terms. The major terms mark the beginning of a new season, while the minor terms represent the transition between seasons.

The 24 Solar Terms are as follows: Minor Snow, Major Snow, Winter Solstice, Minor Cold, Major Cold, Spring Begins, Rain Water, Insect Awakes, Spring Equinox, Clear and Bright, Grain Rain, Summer Begins, Grain Buds, Summer Solstice, Minor Heat, Major Heat, Autumn Begins, White Dew, Autumn Equinox, Cold Dew, Frost Descent, Winter Begins, Minor Snow. This order repeats every year.

The Chinese calendar is a lunisolar calendar that is based on the moon’s phases as well as the sun’s apparent motion. The 24 Solar Terms are an integral part of this calendar, providing a way to mark the changing seasons and guide agricultural practices.

Yes, the 24 Solar Terms continue to be relevant in modern times, especially for farmers and those who practice traditional Chinese medicine. They provide a way to connect with the natural rhythms of the year and can offer guidance on when to plant crops, prepare for changing weather conditions, and more.