End of Heat: summer fades, autumn draws near
End of Heat (chushu), the fourteenth of the twenty-four solar terms and the second solar term of autumn. Falling on August 22-24 each year when the sun reaches 150° of ecliptic longitude, End of Heat carries the meaning of "chu" as cessation—indicating that summer heat reaches its end here, intense heat gradually retreats, and autumn atmosphere gradually rises.
Climatically, severe convection and thunderstorms weaken compared to earlier periods, morning and evening coolness increases, and day-night temperature differences widen. Southern regions still need to monitor typhoon wind and rain impacts and localized heavy precipitation; northern areas must guard against crop damage from excessive night temperature differences before early frost.
First Aspect - Eagles Hunt Birds in Sacrifice: Eagles increasingly prey on birds for food; the atmosphere responds with emerging austere qi.
Second Aspect - Heaven and Earth Begin to Show Austerity: Between heaven and earth, clear qi rises while turbid qi descends; the austere atmosphere of autumn begins to emerge.
Third Aspect - Grain is Ready for Harvest: Grains mature and are ready to be brought to the threshing floor; autumn harvest is about to begin.
Rest: Sleep early and rise early; add layers of clothing morning and evening to avoid catching cold. When day-night temperature differences are large, pay attention to joint and respiratory health.
Diet: Focus on nourishing yin and moistening dryness, reducing pungent and increasing sour flavors. Favor pears, lotus root, white fungus, lily bulb, 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 direct exposure to cold wind.
Emotions: Autumn qi governs gathering; emphasize calming the heart and settling the will. Reading, quiet sitting, and brief nature outings all help with the transition into autumn's order.
Sending Off Heat Rituals: Many regions practice "sending off heat" customs, offering prayers to bid farewell to intense heat and welcome cool, peaceful health.
Fishing Season Opening: Many coastal areas begin the fishing season around End of Heat, setting sail with sea sacrifice ceremonies and prayers for blessings.
Autumn Drying Scenery: Mountain villages dry peppers, grains, melons, and vegetables on eaves and corridors, creating a colorful, vibrant scene symbolizing abundant harvests in sight.
Autumn Community Sacrifices: Some regions perform autumn community sacrifices, praying for abundant harvests of the five grains and favorable weather.
End of Heat follows Beginning of Autumn and precedes White Dew. Its key characteristics include gradually retreating summer heat, increasing day-night temperature differences, continued vigilance for typhoon season, and agriculture transitioning from the rhythm of "growth and management" to "harvest and storage."
Astronomical Significance: At End of Heat, the sun reaches 150° of ecliptic longitude. The sun's subsolar point continues moving southward, daylight shortens, nights deepen, and autumn atmosphere intensifies.
Agricultural Guidance: In rice-growing regions, early rice harvest is imminent while mid-season rice protection continues; in northern areas, monitor autumn grain filling and maturity for timely harvest, guarding against wind and rain lodging and early frost threats.
