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Chinese Name: 寒露
English Name: Hanlu; Cold Dew; the 17th of the 24 Solar Terms
Date: October 8 or 9
Sun Position: Celestial Longitude of 195°
Brief Introduction
Hanlu 寒露 is the 17th of the 24 Solar Terms二十四节气.It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 195° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 210°. At this time, temperatures are much lower than during White Dew in most areas of China. The dew is greater and colder and there will be less rain. Autumn crops will be ripe.
Temperatures drop significantly in October. When the cold air encounters autumn rain, the abundant water vapor in the air soon reaches saturation, and then it turns into misty rain or fog. When the humidity is high, there will be foggy regions formed in many areas of China.
People always say that fishing in shallow water in autumn makes sense. That’s because during the Cold Dew period, temperatures decrease quickly and sunshine doesn’t reach deep water thoroughly. Fish swim to shallow water areas where the water temperature is relatively high.
Pomegranates are ripe during Cold Dew. Pomegranates have been cherished for their exquisite beauty, flavor, color, and health benefits for centuries.
Climatic Change
Hanlu is a solar term that reflects the characteristics of climate change. After the cold dew solar term, the days get shorter, the nights get longer, the sunshine decreases, the heat slowly recedes, the cold gradually grows, the temperature difference between day and night is large, and the morning and evening feel a little chilly. From the perspective of climate characteristics, in the cold dew season, the autumn in the south is getting stronger, the air and the wind are cool, and there is little rain and dryness. The northeast and northwest regions of the north have entered or are about to enter winter
During the cold dew season, the dew increases and the temperature is lower. At this time, the temperature continued to drop in most parts of southern China. The average daily temperature in South China is less than 20°C. Even in the areas along the Yangtze长江 River, it is difficult for the temperature to rise above 30°C, while the minimum temperature can drop below 10°C.
Health tips in Hanlu
In autumn, due to the dry weather, some busy office workers may experience symptoms such as dry tongue, swollen gums and other symptoms of anger. At this time, don’t blindly drink herbal tea to reduce the heat. Blindly drinking herbal tea may aggravate the symptoms of anger. In addition, Chinese medicine believes that regular work and rest habits are conducive to nourishing yin. Therefore, sleeping well and avoiding staying up late should always be in mind
Folk-Custom Activity
Drinking chrysanthemum wine 喝菊花酒
Chrysanthemum is the iconic flower of Cold Dew. To prevent autumn dryness, many regions in China have the custom of drinking chrysanthemum wine. This is a tradition of the Double Ninth Festival重阳节 (on the ninth day of the ninth month in the Chinese calendar), which often falls around Cold Dew. According to ancient records, drinking wine made with chrysanthemums, poria, cocos, mushrooms and pine oleoresin grants people long-lasting youth.
Eating hawthorns 吃山楂
There is a saying that goes “It is time to harvest hawthorn during Cold Dew.” Extracts of the berries have long been used in herbal medicine. The antioxidants in hawthorn are thought to boost heart health by strengthening blood vessels and stimulating blood flow.
Appreciation of Maple leaf 欣赏枫叶
During the Hanlu, many places have the custom of viewing maple leaves. “Maple leaves are redder than February spring flowers” is also said during this season. The word “appreciation” for viewing maple leaves is very important. It is different from sitting on the windowsill or walking down the street to look at the leaves.
However, the northern regions are suitable for viewing red leaves in Hanlu, especially north of the Yellow River黄河. The period for viewing red leaves in Beijing is from mid-October to early November, and the best period is from October 15th to 30th. It can be said that Xiangshan Park香山 is the most reputable spot for viewing red leaves in China. When it comes to red leaves, people will automatically think of them. During the cold dew season, visiting Xiangshan Park to enjoy the red leaves has long been a traditional habit of Beijing citizens and the highlight of autumn travel.
The season for making kippers 制作腌鱼的季节
The Kam people侗族 ethnic group in the western Hunan province have the custom of making kippers during Hanlu. It is said that the kipper made on the day of the Cold Dew with accessory foods such as rice wine, salt, glutinous rice, pepper powder, paprika powder and ginger is especially delicious.
