China marks Start of Summer with seasonal traditions

Today marks Lixia, or the Start of Summer, the seventh of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and the first of summer. With longer days, rising temperatures, and more frequent thunderstorms, this period signals the lush growth of nature.

Traditionally, Lixia is observed through the poetic "Three Signs" – the singing of crickets, the appearance of earthworms, and the sprouting of snake gourds – symbolizing nature's full awakening. This time of the year also coincides with the rice-planting season in many parts of China, while festive folk customs such as egg-fighting and weighing people to add a touch of fun and meaning.

Children hang boiled eggs from colorful strings and playfully bang them together to see which is the strongest – a symbol of strength and health. Meanwhile, people weigh themselves while listening to auspicious words, hoping to stay healthy in the summer heat.

Food also plays a vital role during Lixia, as diets shift to balance the changing seasons. Many families prepare "Lixia rice," a nourishing dish often mixed with five-colored beans to symbolize a good harvest. In places like Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, locals enjoy the "Three Fresh Delicacies" of early summer – cherries, green plums, and hilsa herring.

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes heart health in this season, as the summer heat may lead to irritability, insomnia, and blood pressure fluctuations. Red foods such as red beans, tomatoes, and red dates are recommended to nourish the heart, while staying hydrated with warm water or light tea is advised to replenish lost fluids. As ancient traditions meet modern living, Lixia remains a cherished reminder of harmony with nature, health awareness, and cultural continuity.