Inscribed in 2016 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
二十四节气被正式列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录。
The ancient Chinese divided the sun’s annual circular motion into 24 segments. Each segment was called a specific ‘Solar Term’. The element of Twenty-Four Solar Terms originated in the Yellow River reaches of China.
The criteria for its formulation were developed through the observation of changes of seasons, astronomy and other natural phenomena in this region and has been progressively applied nationwide.
It starts from the Beginning of Spring and ends with the Greater Cold, moving in cycles. The element has been transmitted from generation to generation and used traditionally as a timeframe to direct production and daily routines.
It remains of particular importance to farmers for guiding their practices. Having been integrated into the Gregorian calendar, it is used widely by communities and shared by many ethnic groups in China.
Some rituals and festivities in China are closely associated with the Solar Terms for example, the First Frost Festival of the Zhuang People and the Ritual for the Beginning of Spring in Jiuhua.
The terms may also be referenced in nursery rhymes, ballads and proverbs. These various functions of the element have enhanced its viability as a form of intangible cultural heritage and sustain its contribution to the community’s cultural identity. Knowledge of the element is transmitted through formal and informal means of education.
立春 Beginning of Spring
雨水 Rain Water
惊蛰 Insects Awakening
春分 Spring Equinox
清明 Fresh Green
谷雨 Grain Rain
立夏 Beginning of Summer
小满 Lesser Fullness
芒种Grain in Ear
夏至 Summer Solstice
小暑 Lesser Heat
大暑 Greater Heat
立秋 Beginning of Autumn
处暑 End of Heat
白露 White Dew
秋分 Autumnal Equinox
寒露 Cold Dew
霜降 First Frost
立冬 Beginning of Winter
小雪 Light Snow
大雪 Heavy Snow
冬至 Winter Solstice
小寒 Lesser Cold
大寒 Greater Cold
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