Grain Rain is the sixth solar term of the twenty-four solar terms, the last solar term of spring. It falls on April 20th or 21st every year and marks the end of spring.
谷雨，是二十四節(jié)氣之第6個節(jié)氣，春季的最后一個節(jié)氣。谷雨一般在每年的4月20日或21日，標志著春天的結束。
The Chinese name of Grain Rain, Guyu, was originated from a folk story. When Cang Jie, an official in the Yellow Emperor period, created characters, countless grain came down from the sky like rainfall. Therefore, the Yellow Emperor named this day as “Gu Yu”.
谷雨中文名源于一個民間故事，黃帝時期，倉頡造字時，無數谷粒像雨水一樣從天而降，于是，黃帝將這一天命名為“谷雨”。
Just as the name implies, Grain Rain is a crucial time for grains to grow. There is an old saying, 'Rain brings up hundreds of grains,' which indicates the importance of this season. In the northern part of China, the first heavy rain usually occurs during this time of year, which is the peak time for planting rice, corn, and the growth of cotton.
顧名思義，谷雨是五谷生長的關鍵時期，有句古話叫“雨水生百谷”，說明了這個季節(jié)的重要性。在我國北方，每年這個時候第一場大雨往往會降落，此時是種植水稻、玉米、棉花生長的高峰期。
Drinking Guyu tea
喝谷雨茶
Grain Rain also produces a world-renowned type of drink: Yu Qian Cha, or in English, the “tea before the Grain Rain.” Tea leaves pickled before the Grain Rain is among the best-quality tea leaves.
谷雨這天，一種世界聞名的飲品出現(xiàn)了：“雨前茶”。谷雨前制的茶葉是最優(yōu)質的茶葉之一。
Meanwhile, in some areas, people believed that the tea leaves picked on the day of Grain Rain will brighten the eyes and drive away bad luck. Therefore, the habit of drinking tea at this time of year has gradually evolved into a tradition.
同時，在某些地區(qū)，人們認為谷雨當天采摘的茶葉會讓眼睛明亮，趕走厄運。因此，每年谷雨喝茶的習慣逐漸演變成了一項傳統(tǒng)活動。
Eating Chinese toon
吃香椿
People in northern China have the tradition to eat the vegetable Chinese toon during Grain Rain. An old Chinese saying goes ' Chinese toon before the rain is as tender as silk'. Chinese toon’s new grown leaves are as tender as silk. It has a special taste, thus it is often cooked with lighter foods such as stirring it with eggs and tofu. The vegetable is nutritious and can help to strengthen the immune system. It is also good for the stomach and skin.
中國北方人有谷雨時節(jié)吃香椿的傳統(tǒng)，中國古語有云“雨前香椿嫩如絲”，香椿新長出的葉子嫩滑，口感特殊，常與清淡食物一起烹制，比如香椿炒雞蛋、香椿拌豆腐。香椿營養(yǎng)豐富，能增強免疫系統(tǒng)，對胃和皮膚也有好處。
Worshiping the sea
祭海
Grain Rain marks the start of the fishermen’s first voyage of the year. The custom dates back more than 2,000 years ago, when people believed they owed a good harvest to the gods, who protected them from the stormy seas. People would worship the sea and stage sacrifice rites on the Grain Rain festival, praying for a bountiful harvest and a safe voyage for their loved ones.
谷雨標志著漁民一年中第一次出海即將開始。這一習俗可以追溯到2000多年前，當時人們認為神靈保佑他們免受充滿暴風驟雨的海洋傷害，他們應用豐收的食物回饋神靈。人們會在谷雨當天祭拜大海并舉行儀式，祈禱一年豐收，祈禱親人平安歸來。
Peony flowers festival
牡丹花會
Grain Rain also sees the bloom of the peony, which is also known as the “Queen of All Flowers” in Chinese culture. As a result, admiring the peonies is one of the most enjoyable activities for many.
谷雨這天，我們也能看到綻放的牡丹，牡丹在中國文化中也被稱為“花王”。因此，賞牡丹是許多人谷雨期間熱衷的活動之一。
The flower is said to be the favorite of Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, the only female ruler in China’s history. It was even designated to be the national flower of Tang, and was widely grown in Luoyang city. Its flowers are large and bright, with many layers of colored petals. The flower represents grace and dignity in Chinese culture. Chinese people also associate peonies with wealth and rank.
據說，牡丹是中國歷史上唯一的女統(tǒng)治者唐朝女皇武則天的最愛，甚至曾經一度被定為唐朝國花。牡丹花在洛陽城廣泛種植，其花大而鮮艷，有多層彩色花瓣，牡丹在中國文化中代表著優(yōu)雅和尊貴，中國人也將牡丹與財富和身份聯(lián)系在一起。
The most significant weather feature around Grain Rain is the big differences between morning temperatures and night temperatures. It's important not to catch a cold.
谷雨最顯著的天氣特征是晝夜溫差加大，此時我們一定要注意不要感冒。
谷雨相關詞匯
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