Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-23 Origin: Site
“秋分 (Qiu fen)” is the 16th of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. It usually falls around September 22nd or 23rd in the Gregorian calendar.
The term “秋分 (Qiu fen)” literally means "Autumn Equal Division". What is the name comes from there is a saying that on the day of the Autumn Equinox, the sun is directly above the equator. It’s results in nearly equal lengths of day and night all over the world. The another saying is it marks the exact midpoint of the 90-day autumn season, situated precisely between the start of autumn and the start of winter. After this day, the nights become longer than the days in the Northern Hemisphere.
In Chinese history, it was a crucial marker for agricultural societies. It signaled the time to harvest autumn crops to prepare for the coming winter. What’s more, even in ancient China, emperors would perform rituals to give thanks for the harvest and to pray for a good harvest the following year.
The cultural meanings of the Autumn Equinox are deeply rooted in the Chinese philosophical concepts of “阴阳(Yin and Yang)” and harmony with nature. What connection with “Autumn Equinox” and “Yin and Yang” is the equinox represents a perfect, but fleeting, balance between the opposing forces of Yin (dark, cold, feminine) and Yang (light, warm, masculine). After this day, Yin energy begins to increase, leading to longer nights and cooler weather. In fact, it is fundamentally a celebration of the harvest. It's a time to give thanks for the year's bounty and to recognize the hard work of farmers. Since 2018, the Chinese government has designated the Autumn Equinox as the “中国农民丰收节(Chinese Farmer's Harvest Festival)“, officially celebrating the importance of agriculture and rural life.
Traditionally and in modern times, these are the recommended activities for the Autumn Equinox in China:
1. Enjoying seasonal foods: Eating nutritious and hearty foods to build up strength and prepare the body for the cold winter. Popular foods as duck, crab, persimmons, chestnuts, pomegranates and so on.
2. Sending the Autumn Ox: In ancient times, "Autumn Ox" pictures, which depicted farming scenes, were given to households as a blessing for a fruitful harvest and fertile land in the coming year.
3. Flying Kites: With its stable and cool weather, autumn is considered a perfect season for kite flying.
5. Appreciating Osmanthus Flowers: The fragrant osmanthus flowers bloom around this time, and smell their scent is a enjoying action.
Traditionally and in modern times, these are the Things to Don'ts for the Autumn Equinox in China:
1. Avoid eating cold or raw foods: As the weather turns cooler and Yin energy grows, it is considered harmful to the digestive system to consume too much cold, raw, or spicy food. The body needs to preserve warmth.
2. Avoid Overexertion and Stress: Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes preventing "autumn dryness," which can affect the lungs and skin. Therefore, it's advised to maintain a calm mood, get enough sleep, and avoid excessive physical or mental exhaustion.
3. Avoid Wearing Inappropriate Clothing: The weather can be unpredictable, with warm days and cool nights. Therefore, it's considered important to dress in layers and not be caught underdressed as the cold sets in, especially in the evening.
A Chinese agricultural proverb says, "On the night of the White Dew and the Autumnal Equinox, each night is colder". Remember to bring an umbrella and stay warm in rainy day.
