Grain in Ear (Mangzhong): The Busy Farming Season

Grain in Ear, known as Mangzhong in Chinese, is the ninth of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms. Its arrival signifies the beginning of midsummer and the ripening of crops such as barley and wheat.

Climate: The Plum Rains Season
During Grain in Ear, rainfall increases significantly compared to previous solar terms. Regions in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are about to enter the Plum Rains season — a long period of continuous rainy or cloudy weather that occurs during June and July, named for the ripening plums at this time.

Farming Rituals

An Miao (Seedling Protection): This traditional farming activity in southern Anhui province has been practiced since the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). People make different types of bread from wheat flour, color them with vegetable juice, and use them as sacrificial offerings to pray for a good harvest in the fall.

Saying Farewell to the Flora: In ancient China, people held sacrificial ceremonies during Grain in Ear to bid farewell to the Flower Goddess and express gratitude. This custom can still be seen described in the 27th chapter of the classic novel A Dream of Red Mansions by Cao Xueqin.

Folk Customs

Mud Wrestling: Youngsters of the Dong people in southeastern Guizhou province hold mud wrestling matches during Grain in Ear. Newlyweds, accompanied by friends, plant rice together and throw mud at each other — whoever ends up with the most mud proves they are the most popular person.

Boiling Green Plums: In South China, May and June are the season when plums ripen. There is a famous allusion from the Three Kingdoms period (AD 220-280) about Cao Cao and Liu Bei talking about heroes while boiling green plums. Fresh plums are acerbic and need to be boiled before serving, but they contain natural organic acids and minerals that help clean blood and eliminate tiredness.

Health Tips
According to Sun Simiao, a renowned Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) pharmaceutical expert, people should avoid greasy or strongly flavored food during Grain in Ear. Vegetables and coarse grains that help lower blood pressure and blood fat are recommended, along with cool-natured fruits like tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, and strawberry.

Source: Chinajob