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Summer Solstice is the tenth solar term of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. On this day, daylight across the Northern Hemisphere reaches its longest duration of the whole year. For regions on and north of the Tropic of Cancer, the Summer Solstice also marks the day with the highest noon solar altitude.
As Summer Solstice arrives, each branch jointly organised a themed event. Through PPT presentations and videos, participants learned about its climatic features, folk customs, health preservation and dietary guidelines.
Summer Solstice signals the start of midsummer. Most parts of China see high temperatures and abundant sunshine at this time, which fuels rapid crop growth. The ground heats intensely and triggers active air convection, often bringing thunder showers from afternoon till dusk.
Since ancient times, locals have honoured gods and ancestors on Summer Solstice to pray for disaster relief and bumper harvests. Women would gift one another folding fans, face powder and other items to beat the heat. There is a well-known saying: “Eat dumplings on Winter Solstice and noodles on Summer Solstice.” New wheat comes into season then, so eating noodles is a way to taste the new harvest.
Yang energy peaks on Summer Solstice, so heat prevention and cooling are essential. Drink plenty of water and keep rooms well ventilated. Avoid excessive cold; use air conditioners and fans moderately. High temperature and humidity make food prone to mould, so extra care is needed. The scorching midsummer easily brings restlessness and irritability. Maintain a peaceful mood and steer clear of anxiety and stress. Take precautions against damp pathogens during the plum rain season.
Summer meals should be light, soft and easy to digest. Cut back on heavy, greasy and spicy food, and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Porridge makes an ideal staple, such as mung bean porridge, lotus seed porridge and lotus leaf porridge. Moderate cool drinks like sour plum soup and chrysanthemum tea are also suitable.
A round fan drives away summer heat, letting gentle coolness soothe our hearts. Everyone painted fans together to enjoy the joy of handcrafting. Look how attentively our family members draw each stroke!
Now let us admire the finished works! Lively lotus flowers and green bamboo bring fresh, elegant summer charm; proud roosters, clever white rabbits and leisurely swimming fish — these lovely creatures look so vivid as if they might leap off the fan to greet us. Every painting carries our family’s warm wishes for the Summer Solstice.
Summer Solstice is here, and the days grow long. In this vibrant season full of vitality, may all good things arrive just as promised.
