The second solar term of the summer, Xiaoman, falls on Monday. It is also the eighth of the 24 solar terms of a year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar of the year. 

Just like its English name “Grain Buds”, Xiaoman is the subtle period of time when the grains are about to ripen but are not quite there yet. It is also referred to as the waterfall in the southern area of China. If the rainfall is sufficient, the following season of rice planting is guaranteed.

In a more general conception, Xiaoman is the period of time when temperature gaps between the south and the north narrow down, and summer gradually becomes the most dominant season.

Worship of the silkworm

China has made a name for itself in silk production since the ancient times. The ancient Silk Road still provides inspirations for the country’s current Belt and Road Initiative. However, it is not that widely known how highly esteemed the creature is by Chinese ancestors.

In many Chinese areas, especially those that live around silk productions, silkworms were considered as a creature bestowed from by heaven. Not only do people worship the goddess of silkworms, they also set up temples and present offerings on certain dates.

Xiaoman, which is considered the birthday of the silkworm goddess, is one of those dates. The silkworms are quite delicate and therefore not easy to raise, especially in ancient times, when it was even harder to control the temperature and humidity, as well as the quality of the mulberry leaves.

By worshiping the goddess of silkworms, the Chinese were actually hoping for a good harvest.

A combination of sweet and bitter in flavor

The flavor for this period of time combines sweet and bitterness.

Cherry is the fruit of summer, as it is the first type of fruit that is ripe as summer arrives. Chinese medicine believes that cherry is moderate and mild in quality, and can help prevent cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Eating cherries is also helpful for keeping the skin tender, which makes it one of the most valued fruits for young ladies. The most famous part, of course, is still its sweet and juicy taste. It is definitely the best choice for the beginning of summer.

Another suitable dish for Xiaoman has a completely different taste. As is recorded in many Chinese classical books, including the “Classic of Poetry”, bitter herbs are a must during the summer period.

Despite tasting a little bit bitter, the bitter herbs contain diversified vitamins and mineral substances. They are refreshing, and are helpful in soothing emotions and anti-aging. Chinese people have a number of measures to cook the bitter herbs.

Some pickle them into a sour and sweet cold dish, which goes well with rice, while others boil them in hot water, and turn them into stuffing for steamed buns.