Spring rain is precious as gold, silently nourishing all things
Yushui, the second of the twenty-four solar terms, marks the beginning of increased rainfall. Occurring on February 18-20 each year when the sun reaches 330° of ecliptic longitude, Yushui literally means "rain water." At this time, temperatures rise, ice and snow melt, and precipitation gradually increases, hence the name Yushui.
During Yushui, the east wind thaws ice and snow, which melts into water. The air becomes humid and rain becomes more frequent. An old farming saying goes: "When it rains during Yushui, crops thrive; both spring and early crops are treasures," highlighting the importance of rainwater for agricultural growth. Yushui not only signals increased rainfall but also indicates rising temperatures and conditions favorable for crop growth.
First Aspect - Otters Offer Fish: River otters begin to catch fish and arrange them on the riverbank as if in a ritual offering.
Second Aspect - Geese Return North: Wild geese begin migrating back from the south to the north.
Third Aspect - Plants Sprout and Stir: Grasses and trees begin to sprout tender buds, and the first signs of spring appear.
Rest: Go to bed early and rise early, with attention to warmth and protection from cold. Spring brings warm and cold mixed conditions; continue spring covering to prevent late-spring chill. Gradually increase outdoor activities while avoiding strenuous exercise.
Diet: Nourish the spleen and fortify the stomach with fresh vegetables and congee-type foods. Avoid raw and cold foods. Foods like Chinese yam, red dates, and honey are beneficial. Drink plenty of water to combat spring dryness, and minimize spicy and stimulating foods.
Exercise: Moderate stretching and gentle exercises like walking and jogging are suitable. During Yushui, humidity is high, so avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sweating.
Emotions: Maintain emotional stability and avoid excessive worry and contemplation. Spring is the season to nourish the liver; a cheerful mood aids liver qi coursing and helps avoid emotional fluctuations.
Visiting the Birth Family: On Yushui day, married daughters return to their birth families with gifts to visit their parents and express gratitude for raising them. This is folk known as "celebrating longevity" or "receiving longevity."
Finding Godparents: In western Sichuan, there is the custom of "choosing godparents" where parents seek out godparents for their children to ensure healthy growth. On Yushui day, parents take their children to find suitable people to become their godparents.
Predicting Harvest Color: A custom of popping glutinous rice grains by heat to predict the year's rice harvest. The more white and abundant the popped grains, the better the expected harvest.
Exchanging Blessings: People exchange blessings on this day, praying for favorable wind and rain throughout the year and a abundant harvest of grains.
Yushui is a solar term that reflects the phenomenon of increasing precipitation. It represents the observation of rainfall in ancient agricultural culture. Yushui not only marks the beginning of rainfall and an increase in precipitation but also indicates rising temperatures.
Astronomical Significance: At Yushui, the sun reaches 330° of ecliptic longitude. In the Northern Hemisphere, both the duration and intensity of sunlight increase, and temperatures rise more rapidly. Around Yushui, rapeseed and winter wheat generally begin new growth and have higher water requirements.
Agricultural Guidance: The saying "Spring rain is precious as oil" refers precisely to this period. The arrival of Yushui signals that winter's cold and dryness are fading away, temperatures begin to rise, and humidity gradually increases. This is a crucial period for spring cultivation and planting in agriculture.
