How to Celebrate the Beginning of Autumn – the Traditional Chinese Festival of "立秋" As summer draws to a close, people in China prepare for the beginning of autumn, which is known as "立秋" (lì qiū). This traditional Chinese festival is celebrated on the 7th of August every year, marking the 13th of the 24 solar terms in the lunar calendar. In this article, we will explore the origins and traditions of the "立秋" festival and how you can celebrate it. The Origin of "立秋" The term "lì qiū" literally translates to "standing autumn," which refers to the moment when the sun's position reaches 135 degrees from the vernal equinox. This is the time when the temperature begins to drop, the leaves start to turn yellow, and farmers harvest the first batch of fruits and crops. The "立秋" festival has been observed in China for over 2,000 years, dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (206 BCE-9 CE). Back then, it was called "Zhōngxiào" (中休), which means "mid-summer break," as it marked the period when farmers finished their summer work and took a break before the busy autumn harvest season. How to Celebrate "立秋" In ancient times, the "立秋" festival was mainly celebrated by farmers, who would offer sacrifices to their ancestors and pray for a good harvest. Nowadays, the festival is more of a cultural event, and people celebrate it in various ways. 1. Eating special foods There are several traditional foods associated with "立秋," including watermelons, apples, and pears. It is said that eating watermelon on "立秋" can help cool the body and prevent heatstroke, while apples and pears represent the fall harvest. 2. Drinking chrysanthemum tea Chrysanthemum tea is a common drink during "立秋" as it is believed to have cooling properties, and it represents the beginning of autumn. 3. Enjoying the outdoors As "立秋" marks the end of summer, it is a time for people to spend more time outdoors and enjoy the milder weather. Many parks and temples hold special events and ceremonies to celebrate the festival, such as flower exhibitions and prayer ceremonies. 4. Preparing for autumn In preparation for the upcoming autumn season, people often start to put away their summer clothes and bring out their warmer clothing. It is also a good time to start planning for the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is one of the most important festivals in China and falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. In conclusion, "立秋" is a significant festival in China that marks the beginning of autumn and the end of summer. Whether you choose to enjoy special foods or participate in outdoor events, there are plenty of ways to celebrate this festival and welcome the new season.