Today is October 23, marking Frost's Descent, the 18th solar term of the year. Anhui Bozhou Qiancao National Medicine Co., Ltd. reminds you: Frost's Descent is here—stay warm!
Frost's Descent is the 18th of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms. It is the last solar term of autumn, serving as the transition from autumn to winter. During this period, mornings and evenings are relatively cold while midday remains warmer, resulting in significant day-night temperature differences and noticeable autumn dryness.
As the saying goes, "Frost's Descent withers all plants." After this solar term, vegetation gradually loses its vitality, leaving the earth in a desolate state. Frost's Descent does not mean that frost is falling; rather, it signifies a sharp drop in temperature and large day-night temperature differences. Following this solar term, the scenery of late autumn becomes more pronounced, and cold air moving southward becomes increasingly frequent.
The main customs of Frost's Descent include admiring chrysanthemums, eating persimmons, hiking to enjoy distant views, and taking tonics.
Admiring Chrysanthemums
There is an old saying, "Chrysanthemums bloom when touched by frost." Thus, climbing mountains and admiring chrysanthemums have become elegant traditions during this solar term. "At the time of Frost's Descent, only this plant flourishes," so chrysanthemums were regarded by the ancients as "herbs that mark the season," becoming a symbol of vitality. Frost's Descent is precisely when autumn chrysanthemums are in full bloom. In many parts of China, chrysanthemum festivals are held during this time, where people admire the flowers and enjoy chrysanthemum wine to express their respect and admiration for them.
Eating Persimmons
In some parts of China, it is customary to eat ripe persimmons during Frost's Descent. Locals believe that this not only helps ward off the cold but also strengthens the bones and muscles, making it an excellent food for this solar term.
Hiking to Enjoy Distant Views
In ancient times, hiking to enjoy distant views was a custom during Frost's Descent. As the saying goes, "In the ninth lunar month, Cold Dew, Frost's Descent, and the Double Ninth Festival arrive." Hiking can significantly increase lung ventilation and vital capacity, enhance blood circulation, and boost cerebral blood flow, thereby strengthening the body and helping to prevent and treat diseases. Moreover, hiking can also cultivate one's willpower and refine one's character.
Taking Tonics
There is a folk saying: "Tonifying in winter is not as good as tonifying during Frost's Descent." As the weather grows colder during this solar term, folk dietary customs become particularly distinctive. People believe that one should first take tonics during the Double Ninth Festival and then during Frost's Descent, and that "autumn tonification" is even more important than "winter tonification." Therefore, during Frost's Descent, there are dietary customs such as stewing mutton, stewing sheep's head, and eating frost-welcoming rabbit meat.
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