The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms based on seasonal changes and natural phenomenon. They play an important role in guiding agricultural activities, even to this day. Chushu，(Chinese：处暑 chǔ shǔ), which is the 14th solar term. This year, Chushu happends on 23rd August and ends on 6th September.
What is Chushu all about?
When the handle of the Big Dipper points southwest in the sky and the solar longitude reaches 150 degrees, the 14th solar term, Chushu, will arrive in China. You can even spot the character 暑 shǔ (heat) in its name but with 处 chǔ (put something to an end/kill) ahead of it, which makes sense because this solar term means the intolerable summer heat is about to end.
It is sad to witness the lotus withering, but it also means the lotus seeds are ready to be harvested
A spot of direct sunlight continually moves southward during chushu and the Mongolian cold high is preparing to reclaim the territory it lost to the subtropical high during the summer. In northern China, not only will the temperature decrease over this 15-day period, but the solar radiation and rainfall will recede as well, although southerners may still feel the lingering influences from the autumn.
What to eat for Chushu
Duck is the favorite protein for many regions during this season, not only because the duck meat usually holds a perfect balance of lean meat and fat around this season but also because ducks swim in rivers and ancient Chinese believed eating them around this time helped souls reincarnate safely.
After munching on all of that protein, it is crucial to stay hydrated, especially while the heat has yet to dissipate completely. Herbal tea is a classic and effective beverage to escort you through the remanning sauna-like days.
Let's watch the video to learn more about Chushu
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