Mangzhong (
simplified Chinese: 芒种;
traditional Chinese: 芒種;
pinyin: Mángzhòng) is the ninth of twenty-four
solar terms in the
Chinese calendar year. It begins when the
Sun reaches the
celestial longitude of 75 degrees, which usually occurs around 5 June in the
Gregorian calendar. The name can be used to refer to the first day, or to the whole period of the solar term, which ends when the sun reaches the longitude of 90 degrees, approximately on 21 June. The solar terms signify important agricultural dates, and Mangzhong marks the period for seed
sowing.[1]
Mangzhong has a cognate of Mang chủng, and was recently popularized without historical recognition in
Vietnam[citation needed]. It is also known as Bōshu in
Japanese and Mangjong in
Korean.
History and origins
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adding to it. (February 2024)
In Chinese, Mangzhong means "Grain in Ear." Mang means 'grain,' but also 'busy.' It signifies that farmers have to return to the fields and work intensively. "Grain in ear" also means that grains have matured. During this period,
awny crops such as
wheat ripen. As flowers withered away, communities held ceremonies making sacrifices to the "God of Flowers," showing their gratitude and eagerness to see flowers again the following year. This custom has died out, and can only be read about in ancient texts.[2] Mangzhong is especially important for farmers, heralding a period of intense agricultural activity. A common saying from
Guizhou illustrates this urgency: "If you don't plant rice in the grain in the ear, your planting will be in vain." This saying underscores the significance of timely sowing, as Mangzhong represents the peak time for seeding
millet and serves as the deadline for various planting tasks.
Physical phenomena
During the Mangzhong period, areas around the middle stream and downstream of the
Yangtze River enter the
rainy season. Sensing the moisture,
mantis appear,
shrike start to sing, and
mockingbirds cease chirping.
Traditions and customs
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adding to it. (February 2024)
In China's southern
Anhui province, people steam
dumplings with new fresh wheat flour after seeding the
paddy rice.[3] They make the flour into different shapes such as cereals, animals, vegetables, and fruits, color them, and pray for villagers' safety.
According to traditional Chinese doctors, the best food to eat during the Mangzhong period is
mulberry. Around two thousand years ago, the mulberry was considered 'royal food' and was sometimes called the "holy fruit".[4]Silkworms eat mulberry as well.
Date and time
This section needs to be updated. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information.(November 2020)