The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Start of Autumn, the 13th solar term of the year, begins this year on Aug 7 and ends on Aug 21. Just as its name suggests, the Start of Autumn reflects the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The fruitful season is approaching.

Here are several things that you need to know about the Start of Autumn.

‘Autumn Tiger’
Although the Start of Autumn indicates the beginning of autumn, hot weather will not come to an end. The period of hot days after the Start of Autumn, usually lasting for 30 days, is called “Autumn Tiger.” Because of decreasing precipitation, it is even more sweltering during this period than during Major Heat.

Eating dumplings
In Shandong province, people make dumplings during the Start of Autumn, and they call it “Eating the Autumn”. On the day of the Start of Autumn, senior members of the family will stand in the middle of the hall, worshiping a bowl of cereal, and praying for the harvest in autumn. Most of the families will eat dumplings together after the day of the Start of Autumn.

(By Yang Jiming/Qi Qian)