Grain Rain is the sixth solar term of the twenty-four solar terms, the last solar term of spring. It falls on April 20th or 21st every year and marks the end of spring.
谷雨，是二十四节气之第6个节气，春季的最后一个节气。谷雨一般在每年的4月20日或21日，标志着春天的结束。
The Chinese name of Grain Rain, Guyu, was originated from a folk story. When Cang Jie, an official in the Yellow Emperor period, created characters, countless grain came down from the sky like rainfall. Therefore, the Yellow Emperor named this day as “Gu Yu”.
谷雨中文名源于一个民间故事，黄帝时期，仓颉造字时，无数谷粒像雨水一样从天而降，于是，黄帝将这一天命名为“谷雨”。
Just as the name implies, Grain Rain is a crucial time for grains to grow. There is an old saying, 'Rain brings up hundreds of grains,' which indicates the importance of this season. In the northern part of China, the first heavy rain usually occurs during this time of year, which is the peak time for planting rice, corn, and the growth of cotton.
顾名思义，谷雨是五谷生长的关键时期，有句古话叫“雨水生百谷”，说明了这个季节的重要性。在我国北方，每年这个时候第一场大雨往往会降落，此时是种植水稻、玉米、棉花生长的高峰期。
Drinking Guyu tea
喝谷雨茶
Grain Rain also produces a world-renowned type of drink: Yu Qian Cha, or in English, the “tea before the Grain Rain.” Tea leaves pickled before the Grain Rain is among the best-quality tea leaves.
谷雨这天，一种世界闻名的饮品出现了：“雨前茶”。谷雨前制的茶叶是最优质的茶叶之一。
Meanwhile, in some areas, people believed that the tea leaves picked on the day of Grain Rain will brighten the eyes and drive away bad luck. Therefore, the habit of drinking tea at this time of year has gradually evolved into a tradition.
同时，在某些地区，人们认为谷雨当天采摘的茶叶会让眼睛明亮，赶走厄运。因此，每年谷雨喝茶的习惯逐渐演变成了一项传统活动。
Eating Chinese toon
吃香椿
People in northern China have the tradition to eat the vegetable Chinese toon during Grain Rain. An old Chinese saying goes ' Chinese toon before the rain is as tender as silk'. Chinese toon’s new grown leaves are as tender as silk. It has a special taste, thus it is often cooked with lighter foods such as stirring it with eggs and tofu. The vegetable is nutritious and can help to strengthen the immune system. It is also good for the stomach and skin.
中国北方人有谷雨时节吃香椿的传统，中国古语有云“雨前香椿嫩如丝”，香椿新长出的叶子嫩滑，口感特殊，常与清淡食物一起烹制，比如香椿炒鸡蛋、香椿拌豆腐。香椿营养丰富，能增强免疫系统，对胃和皮肤也有好处。
Worshiping the sea
祭海
Grain Rain marks the start of the fishermen’s first voyage of the year. The custom dates back more than 2,000 years ago, when people believed they owed a good harvest to the gods, who protected them from the stormy seas. People would worship the sea and stage sacrifice rites on the Grain Rain festival, praying for a bountiful harvest and a safe voyage for their loved ones.
谷雨标志着渔民一年中第一次出海即将开始。这一习俗可以追溯到2000多年前，当时人们认为神灵保佑他们免受充满暴风骤雨的海洋伤害，他们应用丰收的食物回馈神灵。人们会在谷雨当天祭拜大海并举行仪式，祈祷一年丰收，祈祷亲人平安归来。
Peony flowers festival
牡丹花会
Grain Rain also sees the bloom of the peony, which is also known as the “Queen of All Flowers” in Chinese culture. As a result, admiring the peonies is one of the most enjoyable activities for many.
谷雨这天，我们也能看到绽放的牡丹，牡丹在中国文化中也被称为“花王”。因此，赏牡丹是许多人谷雨期间热衷的活动之一。
The flower is said to be the favorite of Empress Wu Zetian of the Tang Dynasty, the only female ruler in China’s history. It was even designated to be the national flower of Tang, and was widely grown in Luoyang city. Its flowers are large and bright, with many layers of colored petals. The flower represents grace and dignity in Chinese culture. Chinese people also associate peonies with wealth and rank.
据说，牡丹是中国历史上唯一的女统治者唐朝女皇武则天的最爱，甚至曾经一度被定为唐朝国花。牡丹花在洛阳城广泛种植，其花大而鲜艳，有多层彩色花瓣，牡丹在中国文化中代表着优雅和尊贵，中国人也将牡丹与财富和身份联系在一起。
The most significant weather feature around Grain Rain is the big differences between morning temperatures and night temperatures. It's important not to catch a cold.
谷雨最显著的天气特征是昼夜温差加大，此时我们一定要注意不要感冒。
谷雨相关词汇
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