China Celebrates Start Of Summer With Lixia Festival

Today marks the beginning of Lixia, the first solar term of summer. Lixia marks a time for agricultural growth as crops enter their peak growing season. temperature variations are expected across China, with frequent fluctuations even within the same region. While temperature differences exist between northern and southern China, frequent fluctuations occur within regions. Traditional customs during Lixia include eating eggs, which is believed to strengthen the body against the upcoming hardships of summer. Other regional customs involve eating specific seasonal foods like chrysanthemums, plums, and wheat in Suzhou, and a more abundant variety of foods in Changchun. Regional temperature variations are during this period, with frequent fluctuations. In Suzhou, 'three hearts' - chrysanthemum, plum blossom, and wheat - are commemorated. In Changchun, a wider array of foods are consumed, including nine kinds of grains and thirteen kinds of vegetables. A historical anecdote describes a ruler offering a steamed bun and porridge to a loyal subject named Adou, reflecting a belief in nourishing the body to maintain well-being. Chinese President Xi Jinping has quoted poetry related to family values, said the importance of family as the basic unit of society and the first school for individuals. Historically, Lixia was associated with activities like eating specific fruits and eggs, believed to help the body cope with the coming summer heat and potential hardships.