The Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear, the 9th solar term, begins on June 5 this year.
中国的阳历把一年分为24个节气。今年6月5日是第九个节气。
Rainfall increases during Grain in Ear compared to the previous eight solar terms. Regions in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are about to enter the Plum(梅子) Rains season. Plum Rains, often occurring during June and July, refer to the long period of continuous rainy or cloudy weather. This happens to be the time for plums to ripen, which explains the origin of its name. Plum Rains are a good period for growing rice, vegetables and fruits.
与前八个节气相比，芒种期间的降雨量有所增加。长江中下游地区即将进入梅雨季。梅雨常发生在6月和7月，是指长时间的连续降雨或多云天气。这恰好是梅子成熟的时候，这就解释了它名字的由来。梅雨季节是种植水稻、蔬菜和水果的好季节。
“An Miao” (meaning seedling protection) is a traditional farming activity of southern Anhui province that has been practiced since the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Every year when Grain in Ear comes, they hold the sacrificial ceremony to pray for good harvests in the fall. People make different types of bread from wheat flour and color them with vegetable juice. The bread is used as a sacrificial offering to pray for a good harvest and people’s safety.
“安苗”是安徽南部的一种传统农耕活动，自明初就开始了。每年当芒种来临时，他们都会举行祭祀仪式，祈祷秋天能有好收成。人们用小麦粉制作不同类型的面包，并用蔬菜汁上色。面包被用作祭祀品，以祈祷丰收和人民的安全。
In ancient China, on the second day of the second lunar month, people welcome the arrival of the Flower Goddess. During Grain in Ear people hold sacrificial ceremonies to say good-bye to the Flower Goddess and show their gratitude. Today, this custom does not exist in many areas of China.
在中国古代，农历二月初二，人们欢迎花神的到来。在芒种期间，人们举行祭祀仪式，向花神道别，表达他们的感激之情。今天，这种习俗在中国的许多地区并不存在。
In South China, May and June are the season when plums become ripe. Green plums contain a variety of natural and high-quality organic acids and are rich in minerals. They can help clean blood, lower blood fats, remove tiredness and improve one’s looks. However, fresh plums taste sour and need to be boiled before serving.
在中国南方，五月和六月是梅子成熟的季节。青梅含有多种天然优质有机酸，富含矿物质。它们可以帮助清洁血液，降低血脂，消除疲劳，改善容貌。然而，新鲜的梅子尝起来很酸，需要煮沸后才能食用。
Do not eat strongly flavored food during Grain in Ear. During this season, people are also encouraged to consume less lamb, pork, hot peppers, and onions if they are frequently feeling thirsty and tired. Vegetables and fruits of a cool nature are recommended, such as tomatoes, eggplant, watermelon and strawberries. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine theories, they can help remove heat in the body and promote digestion.
在芒种期间不要吃重口味食物。在这个季节，如果人们经常感到口渴和疲劳，也鼓励他们少吃羊肉、猪肉、辣椒和洋葱。推荐凉爽的蔬菜和水果，如西红柿、茄子、西瓜和草莓。根据中医理论，它们可以帮助去除体内的热量，促进消化。
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