Does the Beginning of Autumn Mean the True Arrival of Autumn?

Meteorological Changes

During Liqiu, temperatures gradually decline. While days can still be warm, nights start cooling down, and humidity levels decrease. This transition can bring unpredictable weather, including sudden showers or cooler breezes, signaling the end of summer.

Traditional Customs and Festivals

1.Qiqiao Festival (乞巧节)

Celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, this festival is also known as Chinese Valentine's Day. It honors the romantic legend of the cowherd and the weaver girl and involves young women showcasing their domestic skills and praying for happiness in love.

2.Sunning in the Sun (晒秋)

"Shaiqiu" involves drying grains, vegetables, and herbs in the sun to preserve them for winter. This custom also symbolizes gratitude for the harvest and fosters community bonding.

3.Fattening up in Autumn (贴秋膘)

This tradition involves increasing food intake to prepare for the colder months ahead, with a focus on foods rich in protein and fat to build strength and resilience.

Dietary Recommendations

According to traditional Chinese beliefs, "autumn is suitable for collection rather than dispersal." Therefore, the diet should adapt to the season:

1.Light Foods

The dry climate calls for light, moisturizing foods such as sesame, honey, white fungus, lily, and loquat to hydrate the body and combat dryness.

2.Acidic Foods

Incorporating slightly acidic foods like apples, grapes, tomatoes, and lemons can help to nourish the lungs and moisten the skin, preventing dryness and maintaining internal balance.

3.Warm Foods

As the weather cools, it is beneficial to introduce warmer foods into your diet. Ingredients like ginger, garlic, and cinnamon can help to stimulate circulation and provide warmth to the body.

4.Nourishing Soups

Soups and broths made with ingredients like lean meats, tofu, and vegetables can be particularly nourishing. Adding herbs like ginseng and goji berries can enhance their health benefits.

Conclusion

Liqiu is not just a marker of seasonal change but a period rich with cultural significance and practical wisdom. By understanding and adapting to the meteorological changes, embracing traditional customs, and making thoughtful dietary adjustments, one can better prepare for the cooler months ahead. Celebrate this transitional period by honoring the traditions and nourishing your body according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine.