The beginning of the end of Spring

The beginning of the Grain Rain, one of the 24 solar terms on the traditional Chinese lunar calendar falls on April 20 this year. The Grain Rain sees a marked rise in temperatures and rainfall that causes a growth spurt for grain crops.

An old custom in southern China is to drink tea on the day of Grain Rain. Tea harvested during spring is rich in vitamins and amino acids. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, this tea can help to remove excess heat from the body and is good for the eyes. There is also a traditional Chinese belief that drinking tea on the day of the Grain Rain helps to prevent bad luck.
People in northern China have a tradition of eating the leaves of the Chinese mahogany tree during the Grain Rain. An old Chinese saying goes "Chinese mahogany before the rain is as tender as silk." The vegetable is nutritious and can help to strengthen the immune system. It is also good for the stomach and the skin.