In the vast tapestry of Chinese literature, solar terms hold a special place. These are the 24 divisions of the year, each marked by a specific point in the solar cycle. Celebrated for centuries, solar terms are deeply rooted in Chinese agriculture and culture, offering a unique way to experience the changing seasons. This article takes you on a journey through some of the most celebrated classic poems that honor these time-honored traditions.
The Significance of Solar Terms
Before diving into the poems, it’s essential to understand the significance of solar terms. These divisions are part of the Chinese agricultural calendar and are based on the position of the sun in the celestial sphere. Each term marks a transition in the climate and natural phenomena, guiding farmers and villagers in their daily activities. The solar terms are:
- Start of Spring
- Rice Sprouting
- Clear and Bright
- Grain in Ear
- Full Grain
- Summer Solstice
- Grain in Shell
- Slight Frost
- Heavy Frost
- End of Autumn
- Winter Solstice
- Big Snow
- Slight Snow
- Cold Dawn
- Slight Cold
- Grain in Ear
- Full Grain
- Summer Solstice
- Grain in Shell
- Slight Frost
- Heavy Frost
- End of Autumn
- Winter Solstice
- Big Snow
Classic Poems Celebrating Solar Terms
1. Start of Spring
The “Start of Spring” is a time of renewal and new beginnings. The following poem by Du Fu captures the essence of this season:
春眠不觉晓，处处闻啼鸟。
夜来风雨声，花落知多少。
2. Rice Sprouting
As the name suggests, this term marks the time when rice starts to sprout. Here’s a poem by Li Bai that celebrates this event:
江南好，风景旧曾谙。
日出江花红胜火，春来江水绿如蓝。
能不忆江南？
3. Clear and Bright
This term signifies the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The following poem by Su Shi captures the beauty of this season:
春风又绿江南岸，明月何时照我还？
4. Grain in Ear
This term marks the time when crops begin to ripen. The following poem by Wang Wei reflects the joy of this season:
独在异乡为异客，每逢佳节倍思亲。
遥知兄弟登高处，遍插茱萸少一人。
5. Full Grain
The “Full Grain” term is a time of abundance and harvest. The following poem by Du Mu captures the spirit of this season:
离离原上草，一岁一枯荣。
野火烧不尽，春风吹又生。
6. Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice, is celebrated with various customs. The following poem by Li Bai celebrates the beauty of this day:
床前明月光，疑是地上霜。
举头望明月，低头思故乡。
7. Grain in Shell
This term marks the time when crops are fully ripe. The following poem by Wang Wei reflects the joy of this season:
登鹳雀楼
白日依山尽，黄河入海流。
欲穷千里目，更上一层楼。
8. Slight Frost
As the name suggests, this term marks the first appearance of frost. The following poem by Du Fu captures the beauty of this season:
登高
风急天高猿啸哀，渚清沙白鸟飞回。
无边落木萧萧下，不尽长江滚滚来。
9. Heavy Frost
This term signifies the heaviest frost of the year. The following poem by Li Bai celebrates the beauty of this season:
静夜思
床前明月光，疑是地上霜。
举头望明月，低头思故乡。
10. End of Autumn
The “End of Autumn” term marks the end of the harvest season. The following poem by Du Fu reflects the beauty of this season:
山行
远上寒山石径斜，白云深处有人家。
停车坐爱枫林晚，霜叶红于二月花。
11. Winter Solstice
The shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice, is celebrated with various customs. The following poem by Su Shi captures the essence of this day:
赤壁赋
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
12. Big Snow
This term marks the time when heavy snowfall is expected. The following poem by Du Fu celebrates the beauty of this season:
北风卷地白草折，胡天八月即飞雪。
忽如一夜春风来，千树万树梨花开。
13. Slight Snow
This term signifies the first appearance of snow. The following poem by Li Bai captures the beauty of this season:
望庐山瀑布
日照香炉生紫烟，遥看瀑布挂前川。
飞流直下三千尺，疑是银河落九天。
14. Cold Dawn
This term marks the start of the coldest days of the year. The following poem by Su Shi reflects the beauty of this season:
江城子·密州出猎
老夫聊发少年狂，左牵黄，右擎苍。
锦帽貂裘，千骑卷平冈。
为报倾城随太守，亲射虎，看孙郎。
15. Slight Cold
This term signifies the slight cold of the year. The following poem by Du Fu captures the beauty of this season:
月夜忆舍弟
戍鼓断人行，边秋一雁声。
露从今夜白，月是故乡明。
有弟皆分散，无家问死生。
寄书长不达，况乃未休兵。
16. Grain in Ear
This term marks the time when crops begin to ripen. The following poem by Wang Wei reflects the joy of this season:
春望
国破山河在，城春草木深。
感时花溅泪，恨别鸟惊心。
烽火连三月，家书抵万金。
白头搔更短，浑欲不胜簪。
17. Full Grain
The “Full Grain” term is a time of abundance and harvest. The following poem by Du Mu captures the spirit of this season:
秋夕
银烛秋光冷画屏，轻罗小扇扑流萤。
天阶夜色凉如水，卧看牵牛织女星。
18. Summer Solstice
The longest day of the year, the Summer Solstice, is celebrated with various customs. The following poem by Li Bai celebrates the beauty of this day:
庐山谣
白日依山尽，黄河入海流。
欲穷千里目，更上一层楼。
19. Grain in Shell
This term marks the time when crops are fully ripe. The following poem by Wang Wei reflects the joy of this season:
秋夜将晓出篱门迎凉有感二首
三万里河东入海，五千仞岳上摩天。
遗民泪尽胡沙尽，南望王师又一年。
20. Slight Frost
As the name suggests, this term marks the first appearance of frost. The following poem by Du Fu captures the beauty of this season:
月夜忆舍弟
戍鼓断人行，边秋一雁声。
露从今夜白，月是故乡明。
有弟皆分散，无家问死生。
寄书长不达，况乃未休兵。
21. Heavy Frost
This term signifies the heaviest frost of the year. The following poem by Li Bai celebrates the beauty of this season:
赤壁赋
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
22. End of Autumn
The “End of Autumn” term marks the end of the harvest season. The following poem by Du Fu reflects the beauty of this season:
山行
远上寒山石径斜，白云深处有人家。
停车坐爱枫林晚，霜叶红于二月花。
23. Winter Solstice
The shortest day of the year, the Winter Solstice, is celebrated with various customs. The following poem by Su Shi captures the essence of this day:
赤壁赋
大江东去，浪淘尽，千古风流人物。
故垒西边，人道是，三国周郎赤壁。
24. Big Snow
This term marks the time when heavy snowfall is expected. The following poem by Du Fu celebrates the beauty of this season:
北风卷地白草折，胡天八月即飞雪。
忽如一夜春风来，千树万树梨花开。
Conclusion
The solar terms are an integral part of Chinese culture and history. These classic poems offer a glimpse into the beauty and wisdom of the ancient Chinese people. As we celebrate these time-honored traditions, let us also appreciate the timeless beauty of their poetry.