The 24 Solar Terms, or Jieqi, are an ancient Chinese system used to track the passage of seasons and time. Each term corresponds to specific astronomical and meteorological phenomena and is crucial for traditional agricultural practices and cultural activities. When translating these terms into English, it’s important to convey not only the literal meaning but also the cultural significance and seasonal context. Below is a detailed guide to expressing each of the 24 Solar Terms in English.
1. Spring Equinox (Chunfen)
- English: Vernal Equinox
2. Beginning of Spring (Qingming)
- English: Start of Spring
3. Pure Brightness (Yugao)
- English: Pure Brightness Festival
4. Grain Rain (Xiaoxue)
- English: Waking of Insects
5. Beginning of Summer (Xiaoyu)
- English: Start of Summer
6. Grain in Ear (Yushu)
- English: Grain in Ear
7. Summer Solstice (Dazhong)
- English: Summer Solstice
8. Minor Heat (Xiaoxia)
- English: Minor Heat
9. Major Heat (Chongsha)
- English: Major Heat
10. Beginning of Autumn (Qianyu)
- English: Start of Autumn
11. Slight Cool (Qianshu)
- English: Slight Cool
12. White Dew (Baisha)
- English: White Dew
13. Cold Dew (Liangmian)
- English: Cold Dew
14. Beginning of Winter (Dongzhi)
- English: Winter Solstice
15. Minor Snow (Xiaoxue)
- English: Slight Snow
16. Major Snow (Dazhong)
- English: Heavy Snow
17. Winter Solstice (Dongzhi)
- English: Winter Solstice
18. Slight Cold (Qianshu)
- English: Slight Cold
19. Great Cold (Chongshu)
- English: Great Cold
20. Beginning of Spring (Chunfen)
- English: Start of Spring
21. Rain Water (Yushui)
- English: Rain Water
22. Awakening of Insects (Xiaoxue)
- English: Awakening of Insects
23. Clear and Bright (Qingming)
- English: Clear and Bright
24. Grain in Ear (Yushu)
- English: Grain in Ear
Notes on Translation:
- Cultural Significance: Some terms, such as the “Winter Solstice” and “Mid-Autumn Festival,” have cultural significance and may be more commonly known by their Chinese names in English-speaking countries.
- Synonyms and Variations: There may be variations in how some terms are translated, depending on the region or context. For example, “Major Heat” can also be translated as “Dog Days.”
- Seasonal Context: When using these terms, it’s important to consider the seasonal context to ensure accuracy and cultural relevance.
By using these translations, you can effectively communicate the rich cultural and astronomical knowledge embedded in the 24 Solar Terms to an English-speaking audience.