
The 24 Solar Terms
Description
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Learn everything there is to know about the 24 solar terms and the lessons this ancient calendar offers us today.
China's lunar calendar or the animals of the twelve-year cycle are fairly well-known in West. Less understood is the major calendar system of the 24 solar terms. Because the calendar is so closely interwoven with the seasons, festivals, folkways, literature, and mythology of China, it serves as a central spoke in a great wheel of cultural knowledge. Getting to know the events and symbolism behind this centuries-old almanac gives rich understanding of ancient wisdom that applies to modern life.
This book introduces this calendrical system and details each of the 24 solar terms, covering a wide range of practices and knowledge, including:
- Over 50 folktales and myths
- More than 200 deities and historical and mythological figures
- Philosophical concepts which reverberate throughout the culture
- Nature symbolism of the 72 pentad almanac
- Ancient imperial traditions and their teachings
- Festivals and foodways with over one hundred seasonal customs
- Classical Chinese poetry, with 35 original translations
- Over 30 original paper cuttings
- Health considerations for each time of year
- Agricultural practices in line with the rhythms of the seasons
The solar terms light the way toward deeper cultural literacy for those inside and outside the culture. And the richness of this calendar extends far beyond its status as a cultural asset of a specific place and people. The calendar's march through the seasons invites us engage with time and place in many ways. It calls on us to observe more closely the changes in the natural world. It inspires with its frequent and balanced observance of time. And it demonstrates methods for enjoying our connection to the world around us.
More details
Person
Content
Preface
Introduction
Target Readership
Structure of the Book
Thorny Issues
Overview: An Ancient and Living Almanac
Why the 24 Solar Terms?
Definition of "Solar Term"
Philosophical Foundations
The 72 Pentads
The Challenge of Geography
The 24 Solar Terms and the Lunar Calendar
Wisdom Ancient and Modern
The Appeal of the Seasons
Shared Conceptions: East and West
Chapter 1: Spring Begins ¿¿
Pentads
Agriculture
Health
Ancient Traditions
Customs
Festivals
Folklore
Chapter 2: Rain Water ¿¿
Chapter 3: Insects Awaken ¿¿
Chapter 4: Spring Equinox ¿¿
Chapter 5: Clear Bright ¿¿
Chapter 6: Grain Rain ¿¿
Chapter 7: Summer Begins ¿¿
Chapter 8: Little Fullness ¿¿
Chapter 9: Grain Ripens ¿¿
Chapter 10: Summer Solstice¿¿
Chapter 11: Little Heat ¿¿
Chapter 12: Great Heat ¿¿
Chapter 13: Autumn Begins ¿¿
Chapter 14: Heat Departs ¿¿
Chapter 15: White Dew ¿¿
Chapter 16: Autumnal Equinox ¿¿
Chapter 17: Cold Dew ¿¿
Chapter 18: Frost Fall ¿¿
Chapter 19: Winter Begins ¿¿
Chapter 20: Light Snow ¿¿
Chapter 21: Heavy Snow ¿¿
Chapter 22: Winter Solstice ¿¿
Chapter 23: Little Cold ¿¿
Chapter 24: Great Cold ¿¿
Lessons of the Solar Terms
Major Teachings of Each Solar Term - A Summary
Broader Themes and Lessons
Appendices
Appendix A: Chinese and Japanese Pentads
Appendix B: North American and British Pentads
Appendix C: Weather Portents
Appendix D: Chinese Dynasties
Reference List
Index
About the Author
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