White Dew: autumn wind blows, morning dew like pearls
White Dew (bailu), the fifteenth of the twenty-four solar terms and the third solar term of autumn. Falling on September 7-9 each year when the sun reaches 165° of ecliptic longitude, White Dew is marked by pronounced nighttime surface radiation cooling, with morning dew condensing on grass and trees—autumn's clarity intensifies.
Climatically, day-night temperature differences continue to widen; northern regions experience cool mornings and evenings, while southern areas see summer damp-heat gradually recede though typhoon season still requires vigilance. A folk saying states "At White Dew, do not expose your body," reminding people to add layers morning and evening to guard against catching cold and autumn dryness.
First Aspect - Wild Geese Arrive: Wild geese fly in from the north; migratory birds heading south begin to appear.
Second Aspect - Swallows Return: Swallows depart for the south; seasonal transitions become clear.
Third Aspect - Birds Store Food: Flocks of birds store food in preparation for autumn cold; phenology trends toward gathering and conservation.
Rest: Sleep early and rise early; add layers of clothing morning and evening to avoid catching cold from morning or evening chill. Maintain appropriate indoor humidity to prevent dryness.
Diet: Focus on moistening dryness and nourishing the lungs, reducing pungent and increasing sour flavors. Favor pears, lily bulb, white fungus, lotus root, honey, and seasonal fruits and vegetables; minimize spicy and heating foods.
Exercise: Engage in moderate aerobic activity and stretching such as walking, tai chi, and flexibility exercises; maintain mild perspiration as the ideal level while avoiding heavy sweating that injures yin.
Emotions: Autumn qi governs gathering; emphasize calming the heart and settling the spirit. Reading, quiet sitting, and brief nature outings all help with the smooth transition into autumn's rhythms.
White Dew Tea: Some regions harvest sweet and moistening tea during White Dew season, called "White Dew tea."
White Dew Rice Wine: Jiangnan regions have a tradition of brewing rice wine, sipping it gently on cool nights for warmth and prayers for health.
Eating Longan, Pomelo, and Citrus: Fujian and Taiwan regions eat longan, pomelo, and seasonal fruits before and after White Dew to pray for auspicious celebrations.
Appreciating Autumn Dew: Observing morning dew and enjoying the evening moon, sensing the clear and bright beauty of seasonal order.
White Dew follows End of Heat and precedes Autumn Equinox. Its key characteristics include pronounced nighttime radiation cooling with easily condensing dew, widening day-night temperature differences, and typhoon season potentially still affecting the southeastern coast.
Astronomical Significance: At White Dew, the sun reaches 165° of ecliptic longitude. As the sun's subsolar point moves southward and daylight duration decreases, ground heat loss accelerates.
Agricultural Guidance: Regions successively begin autumn harvest and planting; pay attention to seizing good weather for harvest and preventing mold during rainy periods. Southern areas should monitor typhoon rain impacts and crop lodging risks; northern areas should watch for early frost and alternating drought possibilities.
