24 Solar Terms: Rain Water

The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms.

The 24 solar terms are determined by changes in the sun’s position in the zodiac during the year. They were first used in China and now are followed in many other parts of the world. In China, the 24 solar terms were created thousands of years ago to guide agricultural production. They also reflect China’s rich history through the seasonal festivals, special foods, cultural ceremonies, family gatherings and even healthy living tips that correspond with each solar term.

Rain Water (Chinese: 雨水) this year starts on Feb 19 and ends on Mar 4.

Rain Water signals the increase in rainfall and rise in temperature. With its arrival, lively spring-like scenery starts blossoming: the frozen river water melts, wild geese move from south to north, and trees and grass turn green again.

Here is one thing you may not know about Rain Water.

Rain Water is the best time of the year to consume fresh bamboo shoots. It is said one can only know the taste of spring after enjoying the bamboo shoots. The cooking of bamboo shoots in China dates back to over 2,000 years ago, according to the Book of Songs.