Cold Dew is the 17th of the 24 solar terms and also the 5th in autumn. It is a term readily associated with considerable weather changes. Around Cold Dew, cold air from the north becomes powerful enough to challenge the domination of remaining heatwaves all over the country; most parts of China will fall under its control. In the south, the weather turns dry, and cool wind greets people from time to time. The northern part of China will be ready to take on late autumn features and people can expect the coming of winter.
Because of the continuously lowering sun angle and the fast dropping temperature, dew in this period, compared with that in White Dew, emerges in larger amounts and as the weather becomes even colder—so cold that dew may well turn into frost. That is why this solar term is given the name “Cold Dew”.
According to the close observation of Chinese ancients, the term Cold Dew is further divided into three periods. In the first period, wild geese, in straight lines or in V shape, travel to the south in large numbers to escape the chilly weather and survive the winter. In the second period, there are few traces of birds as most have flown to the south, and numerous oysters emerge on seashores; because of the similarity between the patterns on bird feathers and those on oyster shells, ancients mistook the disappearance and emergence of birds as a result of their transformation into oysters. In the third period, chrysanthemums bloom in large numbers, and the ground will be carpeted with lovely bright yellow flowers.
Cold Dew is a term featuring poetic landscape and impressive atmosphere of autumn. It is not surprising that the Chinese people designed varied activities for this period.
People in many parts of China share the habit of maple-viewing during Cold Dew. The famous verse “霜叶红于二月花” by Du Mu, a Chinese poet of the Tang Dynasty, which means “frosty leaves are more crimson than the flowers of early spring” is a perfect description of maples in Cold Dew. A range of places may pop up in their minds when Chinese people are planning for their maple-viewing trips, among which Mountain Xiangshan in Beijing is one of the most famous spots. It is common for people in Beijing and neighboring areas to go there and enjoy the beauty of maples.
Sesame gains high popularity during Cold Dew. As the weather quickly turns cold, traditional Chinese medical theories suggest that people pay extra attention to the inner balance of body, take care of themselves in the dry weather, and particularly protect their lungs and stomachs. Therefore, sesame, a food for detoxification and adding warmth in Chinese belief, is considered wholesome particularly in Cold Dew.
What’s more, the month of Cold Dew is widely regarded as the month of chrysanthemums. Chrysanthemums, entering their prime time, are flourishing everywhere. Apart from simply admiring their beauty, Chinese people also make chrysanthemums into wine and tea, which can improve immunity to cold and dry weather.
Cold Dew is also the term for eating crabs. At this time of autumn, crab meat is at its most tender time. People in some places also make wine-preserved crabs, adding extra flavors to the delicacy.
bgm: Wistful Harp - Andrew Huang
Read by Pan Huirui and Zou Minghao
The Seasons Moralized
Philip Freneau
They who to warmer regions run,
May bless the favour of the sun,
But seek in vain what charms us here,
Life’s picture, varying with the year.
Spring, and her wanton train advance
Like Youth to lead the festive dance,
All, all her scenes are mirth and play,
And blushing blossoms own her sway.
The Summer next (those blossoms blown)
Brings on the fruits that spring had sown,
Thus men advance, impelled by time,
And Nature triumphs in her prime.
Then Autumn crowns the beauteous year,
The groves a sicklier aspect wear;
And mournful she (the lot of all)
Matures her fruits, to make them fall.
Clad in the vestments of a tomb,
Old age is only Winter's gloom—
Winter, alas! shall spring restore,
But youth returns to man no more.
