I'm most afraid of frost and sunny weather , according to a farming proverb

In traditional Chinese agricultural culture, the 24 solar terms are not only a measure of time, but also an important basis for farmers to predict weather and arrange agricultural activities. The arrival of each solar term carries unique information from nature, guiding people on how to coexist harmoniously with nature. Today, we welcome the last solar term of autumn - Frost Descent, and there is an old saying among the people: "The most afraid of frost falling is clear." What wisdom and principles are behind this? Let's explore the answer together from agricultural proverbs.

The term 'frost drop', as the name suggests, refers to the occurrence of frost as the weather gradually turns cold. According to the "Collection and Explanation of the Seventy Two Seasons of the Moon", "In mid September, the air becomes clear and condensed, and dew turns into frost." This means that as the solar longitude reaches 210 °, the temperature difference between day and night further increases. In the early morning, white ice crystals, also known as frost, will appear on the ground or near objects. Frost is not only a symbol of the transition from autumn to winter, but also a preparatory stage for all things in nature to enter a dormant period.

The agricultural proverb 'most afraid of frost and clear weather' embodies the ancient farmers' keen observation and profound summary of weather changes. On the day of frost, the cloudy and sunny weather often indicates the climate trend of the entire winter and even the coming year. Specifically, if the sky is clear and cloudless during the frost season, it indicates that the upcoming winter may be a warm winter with scarce precipitation, which is extremely detrimental to the growth of crops.

Warm winter means that the temperature is higher and the snowfall is reduced during winter. For winter crops such as wheat and rapeseed, such climate conditions are not friendly. On the one hand, the lack of sufficient snowfall coverage can lead to soil moisture loss, which affects the normal growth of crop roots; On the other hand, a warm winter can easily lead to an increase in the overwintering base of pests and diseases, and there may be a major outbreak of pests and diseases in the following spring, posing a serious threat to agricultural production. In addition, a warm winter may also trigger the phenomenon of late spring cold, which means that after the beginning of spring, the temperature suddenly drops significantly, causing frost damage to crops that have already turned green.

In contrast, if there is rainfall or snowfall during the frost season, it is considered a good omen. The arrival of rainwater or snow not only effectively replenishes soil moisture and provides necessary growth conditions for crops, but also kills some pests and their eggs through low temperatures, reducing the occurrence of pests and diseases in the following year. At the same time, moderate snowfall can also serve as insulation, slow down the loss of soil heat, and protect crop roots from freezing damage. Therefore, there is a saying in agriculture: "Frost brings rain, warm winter and early spring; no rain or snow, insect infestations the following year

In addition to its guiding significance for agricultural activities, the Frost Descent solar term also carries rich cultural connotations and folk customs. In traditional Chinese culture, there are customs such as appreciating chrysanthemums, eating persimmons, and climbing high to look into the distance during the frost season. Chrysanthemums bloom most brilliantly during the frost season, and people express their longing and pursuit for a better life by appreciating chrysanthemums and drinking chrysanthemum wine. Eating persimmons symbolizes good luck in everything and good health. In addition, climbing high and looking into the distance is also a traditional activity during the frost season, where people take this opportunity to exercise, relax, and enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery.

In terms of health care, we should pay attention to cold prevention, warmth retention, yin and dryness in frost season. As the temperature gradually drops, the metabolism of the human body will also slow down, making it easy to experience symptoms such as dry skin and mouth sores. Therefore, it is advisable to consume more nourishing and moisturizing foods such as Tremella fuciformis, lilies, lotus seeds, etc., while strengthening physical exercise to enhance physical fitness and resist the cold.