In China, the lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. The solar terms were created thousands of years ago to guide agricultural production and function even now.
The 15th solar term of the year is White Dew (Chinese: Bai Lu), which begins this year on Sept 8 and ends on Sept 23. White Dew indicates the real beginning of cool autumn. The temperature declines gradually and the vapors in the air often condense into white dew on the grass and trees at night.
Here are some things you should know about White Dew.
Best season to travel
Varying by geographical location, autumn comes earlier in the west and northeast of China. In September China are entering the most beautiful season of the year. Forests in gorgeous colors and minority groups with their diversity of cultural styles have attracted a huge number of visitors.
More white dews
From the first day of the White Dew on, there are more and more dews. Although sunshine in the day is still hot, after sunset, temperatures decrease rapidly. At night, water vapors in the air turn into small water-drops when it encounters cold temperatures. These white water-drops adhere to flowers, grass and trees. When the morning comes, sunshine makes them look crystal clear, spotless white and adorable.
Drinking White Dew Tea
Tea during White Dew has gone through the hot summer and is in its best state of growth. White Dew Tea is different from spring tea, which is usually too tender and doesn’t last long. It is also different from summer tea, which is dry and has a bitter flavor. White Dew Tea tastes sweet with its fragrance.
Eating grapes
The White Dew season is just the time when grapes become widely available for sale. Eating grapes in autumn can help dispel one’s internal heat and expel toxins.
Eating sweet potatoes
Many Chinese believe that the best food during White Dew is sweet potatoes. In the old days, the peasants had the custom of eating sweet potato on the first day of White Dew. Besides being the No.1 vegetable against cancer, according to Chinese medicine, sweet potato can nourish the spleen. It can prolong life and reduce the risks of disease.