Answer: Agriculture
Some extra relevant information:
The 24 ‘solar terms’ are a traditional Chinese calendar system that has been used for centuries. This system is a way to divide the year into 24 equal segments based on the position of the Sun. Each solar term lasts for about two weeks and marks a specific astronomical event or natural phenomenon.
The main purpose of the solar terms is to help people in agriculture and daily life activities. These terms provide crucial information about the changing seasons, weather patterns, and agricultural activities for farmers. By following the solar terms, farmers can plan their planting, harvesting, and other agricultural activities accordingly.
In addition to agriculture, the solar terms also play a role in traditional Chinese medicine, cooking, and cultural festivals. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners consider the solar terms to be significant for understanding the body’s balance and determining the appropriate treatments. Chefs and home cooks adapt their recipes according to the available seasonal ingredients highlighted by the solar terms.
Moreover, the solar terms are also tied to various cultural festivals and customs in China. For instance, the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) falls on the first day of the first solar term, “Spring Commences.” Lantern Festival, Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival are all associated with specific solar terms.
Overall, the solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar system serve a vital purpose in agriculture, traditional medicine, cooking practices, and cultural celebrations. They provide a deeper understanding of the natural cycles and help guide people’s activities throughout the year.