Minor Heat: summer heat intensifies, dog days begin
Minor Heat (xiaoshu), the eleventh of the twenty-four solar terms and the fifth solar term of summer. Falling on July 6-8 each year when the sun reaches 105° of ecliptic longitude, Minor Heat marks a time when heat momentum gradually builds and summer damp-heat becomes pronounced. The Jianghuai region frequently finds itself in the tail end of plum rain season or transitioning into the intense convective phase of midsummer, requiring attention to both heat prevention and waterlogging protection.
A folk saying states, "Count the three Deng Days from Summer Solstice to enter the dog days." Around the time of Minor Heat, people often approach or enter the "three fu" (三伏, the three hottest periods of summer). At this juncture, it is important to clear the heart and calm the spirit, fortify the spleen and transform dampness, maintain reasonable daily routines, avoid going outdoors during the hottest hours, with focus on heat prevention and cooling, and dampness elimination with yang nourishment.
First Aspect - Warm Wind Arrives: The sensation of summer heat in the breeze becomes obvious, and hot momentum builds gradually.
Second Aspect - Crickets Seek Cool Shelter: Crickets migrate from open fields into cool, shaded places in homes, seeking refuge from the heat.
Third Aspect - Hawks Begin to Hunt: Eagles flap their wings with vigor and intensity; migratory birds develop instincts to soar high and strike far.
Rest: Sleep late and rise early with midday rest; maintain room ventilation and cooling; avoid the intense midday sun when outdoors; prepare heat-prevention supplies.
Diet: Emphasize light, low-oil foods with bland, dampness-transforming properties. Favor winter melon, bitter melon, lotus root, mung bean soup, Job's tears, lotus leaves, and seasonal fruits and melons; minimize spicy, fried, overly sweet, and cold beverages.
Exercise: In early morning or evening, engage in gentle movement such as walking, jogging, tai chi, and swimming, maintaining mild perspiration and paying attention to hydration and electrolyte balance.
Emotions: Summer damp-heat can easily cause irritability and fatigue; emphasize clearing the heart and calming the spirit through quiet sitting and breathing exercises, enjoying brief nature outings to open and soothe the heart.
Dog Days Tea for Cooling: Green tea or herbal cooling tea is consumed to dispel summer heat, with traditions of sour plum juice and lotus leaf drinks.
Drying Ginger for the Dog Days: Folk custom involves drying "dog days ginger," preserved for use during the hot season to expel cold and eliminate dampness.
Tasting New Foods: Jiangnan regions practice "tasting the new," sampling newly harvested rice, fresh tea, and seasonal vegetables and fruits to celebrate summer's arrival and abundance.
Lotus Pond Cooling: Enjoying lotus flowers for cooling, making fragrant sachets, and hanging mugwort branches as practices for seeking peace and expelling ill fortune.
Minor Heat follows Summer Solstice and precedes Major Heat. Its key characteristics are steadily intensifying summer heat and increasing damp-heat interaction. The Jiangnan region gradually sees plum rains recede while convective thunderstorms intensify; the north experiences high temperatures alongside severe convective weather.
Astronomical Significance: At Minor Heat, the sun reaches 105° of ecliptic longitude. Although daylight has become slightly shorter than at Summer Solstice, ground heat accumulation strengthens and summer warmth develops.
Agricultural Guidance: In rice-growing regions, focus on main field water and fertilizer management and pest control; in northern areas, ensure corn and soybean top-dressing and mid-row cultivation and weeding are completed, watch for high-temperature dry-hot winds and sudden severe convective weather.
