The 24 Solar Terms in
Chinese lunar calendar originated from the middle and lower reaches of
the Yellow River. It appeared in the Western Han Dynasty (206BC-24AD).
The ancient Chinese based on knowledge in astronomy, climatology and agricultural
meteorology to invent it. According to the Earth’s orbit around the Sun
Solar Terms divide a year into 24 segments. Since the Earth takes about
one year to complete its orbit once (360 degree), by dividing it into
24 equal segments, each 15 degrees (approximately 15 days) will mark a
Solar Term. The 24 Solar Terms generally represent the seasonal change
over central China in a year, and in turn, closely relate to agricultural
activities in ancient China.
Solar Terms are in general named according to the astronomical phenomena, climatological characteristics or agricultural activities prevalent at the respective times of the seasons. The 24 Solar Terms were determined by the changes of the Sun’s position in the zodiac all through the year. In the lunar calendar, the date of each solar term is basically fixed, with the minor changes within one or two days. As a reflection of the regularity of the changes of the climate in the central part of China, the 24 Solar Terms still guide the agricultural activities there. The following chart is a brief introduction of 24 Solar Terms
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