Cold Dew Arrives, "Tian Zei Ri" is Here, Are You Ready?

Cold Dew Arrives, "Tian Zei Ri" is Here, Are You Ready?Early October marks the arrival of the Cold Dew solar term, signifying the deepening of autumn and a gradual drop in temperature. This significant solar term, beyond signaling the onset of colder weather, is rich in ancient customs and taboos

Cold Dew Arrives, "Tian Zei Ri" is Here, Are You Ready?

Early October marks the arrival of the Cold Dew solar term, signifying the deepening of autumn and a gradual drop in temperature. This significant solar term, beyond signaling the onset of colder weather, is rich in ancient customs and taboos. This year, Cold Dew coincides with "Tian Zei Ri," sparking curiosity and attention. What exactly is "Tian Zei Ri"? What taboos surround it? Let's delve into this enigmatic solar term together.

Cold Dew Customs: Admiring Chrysanthemums, Drinking Wine, Savoring Crabs, The Taste of Autumn

During Cold Dew, the north displays a profound autumn atmosphere, with early frost even appearing. The south also embraces a deepening autumn, prompting people to switch to long-sleeved attire. This solar term affects not only our clothing choices but also our dietary preferences.

Chrysanthemum appreciation is one of the most representative customs of Cold Dew. Chrysanthemums bloom in a vibrant array of colors, emitting a pleasant fragrance. In ancient times, people considered chrysanthemum appreciation an elegant pastime. Today, people favor infusing chrysanthemums into tea, believed to have detoxifying properties. Additionally, chrysanthemum wine is a signature beverage during this season. While it may sound unusual, flower wine was not uncommon in ancient times. Chrysanthemum wine is said to offer a refreshing aroma and possess health-promoting benefits.

Speaking of culinary delights, Cold Dew wouldn't be complete without succulent crabs. There's a saying: "When the autumn wind blows, crab legs itch." This time marks the pinnacle of the crab season. However, the current high price of crabs puts them out of reach for many.

Sesame is another characteristic food of Cold Dew. It's believed to be rich in nutrients, promoting beauty. However, modern individuals favor consuming sesame paste or sesame cookies.

Tian Zei Ri: Mystical Taboos or Ancient Wisdom?

This year, Cold Dew falls on the sixth day of the ninth lunar month, a date known in ancient times as "Tian Zei Ri" (Day of the Celestial Thief), "Di Zei Ri" (Day of the Earth Thief), or "Wei Ri" (Day of Danger). These names sound rather inauspicious, and many hold a sense of fear towards this day.

Legend holds that Tian Zei Ri is unfavorable for seeking blessings, as the celestial deities are absent, rendering prayers futile. There are numerous taboos surrounding Tian Zei Ri. For instance, it's considered unwise to display wealth, as it may attract misfortune or hinder financial prosperity. Some also believe that it's forbidden to sleep with wet hair on Tian Zei Ri, as doing so could lead to colds or headaches. While the veracity of these claims remains scientifically unverified, sleeping with wet hair undoubtedly poses health risks.

Behind the taboos surrounding Tian Zei Ri lies ancient reverence for nature and anticipation of the future. While these taboos may seem mystical, they reflect the deep respect that ancient people held for life and living.

Cold Dew Health Practices: Prioritize Warmth, Focus on Diet

During Cold Dew, temperatures plummet, making warmth a crucial concern. The significant temperature difference between morning and evening makes catching a cold a high risk. There's an old saying: "Frequent bathing is not advisable during Cold Dew." However, as long as water temperature and bathing duration are monitored, showering shouldn't lead to skin issues or colds.

In terms of diet, Cold Dew is an ideal time for tea consumption. This period is known as "Zheng Qiu Cha" (Peak Autumn Tea), said to possess a distinctive sweet and mellow aroma. Consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables to boost immunity is equally important.

Solar Term Transitions: Experiencing Nature's Seasonal Cycle

Cold Dew shares the autumn stage with Autumn Equinox and White Dew, but each solar term boasts unique climatic characteristics. During the Autumn Equinox, the south still allows for short sleeves, but by Cold Dew, long sleeves are the norm. While White Dew brings relatively warm weather, Cold Dew marks a tangible shift to colder temperatures.

The 24 solar terms reflect nature's seasonal cycle, each embodying distinct natural phenomena and cultural practices. In the context of modern urban life, we might not experience the evident shifts associated with solar terms, but they continue to serve as reminders of nature's power and the preciousness of life.

Conclusion: Cherish the Present, Embrace Health

Cold Dew ushers in an autumn brimming with emotion. While the weather turns colder, we can still savor the beauty of autumn. Cherish the present, embrace health, and enjoy life.

Note: The above information is for reference only. If you have any health concerns, please consult a qualified medical professional.

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