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What is Bailu (White Dew)?
Bailu, or White Dew, is the 15th of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It usually begins around September 7-9 on the Gregorian calendar, marking the transition from summer to early autumn. The name "White Dew" refers to the phenomenon of condensation forming dewdrops on grass and leaves during cool mornings, which appear white as temperatures drop.
Key Characteristics:
Weather Change:
Days remain warm, but nights become noticeably cooler.
Dew forms frequently due to increasing temperature differences between day and night.
Agricultural Significance:
Farmers harvest autumn crops (e.g., grains) and prepare for planting winter wheat.
It is a critical time for managing irrigation and protecting plants from early frost.
Cultural Traditions:
Eating Seasonal Foods: People consume foods like longan, grapes, and sweet potatoes to nourish the body and resist dryness.
Drinking "White Dew Tea": Tea harvested during this period is believed to be exceptionally fragrant and soothing.
Avoiding Chill: Traditional advice emphasizes keeping the neck and abdomen warm to prevent colds.
Health Tips:
Focus on moisturizing and easing autumn dryness through diets rich in honey, pears, and sesame.
Engage in gentle exercises like walking or tai chi to adapt to the cooling weather.
Cultural Symbolism:
Bailu reflects the harmony between nature and human life in East Asian cultures, emphasizing adaptation to seasonal shifts through diet, agriculture, and lifestyle practices. It is also widely referenced in classical Chinese poetry as a symbol of autumn’s tranquility and introspection.