Today marks Slight Heat, signaling the beginning of midsummer. The traditional Chinese calendars divide a year into 24 solar terms. Slight Heat (Chinese: 小暑, xiǎoshǔ) is the 11th solar term and the 5th solar terms in summer. It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 105° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 120°.

"暑" in Chinese means heat, "小暑" thus refers to minor or slight heat. Midsummer arrives as temperatures soar. The continuous rainfall in mid-lower reaches of Yangtze River is about to end. While the northern and north-eastern regions of China will welcome the rainy season.  

What are the traditions during Slight Heat? Here's a roundup of the traditional Chinese customs during this period.

1. Ritual sacrifices for hot summer days

Records of ritual sacrifices for hot summer days can be traced back to pre-Qin period (Chinese history up to the foundation of the Qin imperial dynasty in 221 BC). 

According to ancient Chinese legends, the Yan Emperor made the sun give off enough light and heat to guarantee the growth of five farmed crops. People were able to make a comfortable living that pays for food and clothes. To pay gratitude, Chinese commemorate the Yan Emperor during the hottest days of summer.

2. Air clothing and textiles

Due to the continuous rainfalls, clothing and textiles get wet easily. As Xiaoshu arrives and the rainy season comes to an end, people would air the clothes, utensils and books. Families take clothes and quilts outside. After an hour or two, turn them upside down. The dried items would be folded and moved back to chests and wardrobes.

3. Eat newly harvested food

Sligh Heat is also a harvesting season. In old times, the custom of eating newly harvest food was observed during this period. Farmers would mill the newly harvest rice and cook it to offer sacrifices to the grain gods and ancestors. Some would mix the fresh and aged rice and pair the meal with fresh vegetables.

Tips for health preservation during the Slight Heat period

1. Avoid exercising in hot temperatures 

Try to avoid the hottest hours from 10-16 o'clock when exercising. Long hours of exercising is not recommended. Drink water timely. It is advised to start with exercises of minimum intensity such as walking, swimming, playing tennis or badminton, etc.

2.  Don't bare the waist

Baring the waist is only conducive to heat dissipation when the skin temperature is higher than environment temperature. When the temperature exceeds 37 °C, the skin would absorb heat. In hot summer days, you should properly put on some cotton clothing which is heat-insulating and can block ultraviolet.

3. Beware of "Emotion Sunstroke"

People tend to lose control of temper when the temperature exceeds 35°C, the humidity above 80%. It is suggested to reduce the frequency of activities during hot hours. Relax more and balance the work and life; keep a light diet; stay calm and optimistic and learn to divert attention from distracting thoughts.

4. Diet and sleep

During hot temperatures, potassium is likely to be discharged with perspiration, causing fatigue and mental tiredness. For daily meals, it is recommended to eat more foods rich in potassium such as potatoes, spinach, kelp and laver. In addition, ensure sufficient and quality sleep. Noon naps that ideally last half an hour to one hour are suggested.

(Executive Editor: Yongliu He)