Solar Terms Xiaoman In Chinese | Traditions For This Solar Year Period

Being a Chinese literature and culture learner, you might be aware that the Chinese Calander is divided into 24 solar terms depending on the movement of the sun. It is right to say that these terms are written based on different natural phenomena. Xiaoman is one of those solar terms that are used in this regard. If you don’t know about it and looking to understand it deeply, you should read this blog till the end. In this blog, we will show you a comprehensive overview of Xiaoman and traditions related to it.

Part 1. Overview Of Xiaoman

Among 23 other solar terms, Xiaoman stands in the second position which comes normally in May and June. In the Chinese literature, this term means “a little full” and represents the minor changes that can be observed in different environmental tasks. For example, the most common change in this season is the rise of water levels in rivers and waterfalls at a low pace.

So, it is right to say that Xiaoman belongs to those changes that occur gradually in nature but have a large impact on the environment. It is also called the summer solar term because it indicates the beginning of the summer season. Due to this type of connection, it is considered a hopeful term or season for farmers who are working with wheat and rice.

Part 2. Indication Of Xiaoman In Chinese

By reading the above overview of Xiaoman, you must be aware of the basic concept of this solar term. In Chinese culture, it has multiple indications in addition to the above-mentioned. Abide by the rise in water level, also indicates the temperature rise which is considered a sign of summer.

As the temperature and water level rise in this period, it gives a helping hand to crops of wheat and rice to become ready for cultivation. This is why farmers think it is a hopeful sign for their growth and business. It is right to say Xiaoman makes the farmers and related professionals proactive and encouraged towards their fields.

So, you can say that this season comes with hopes for many people including formers. Overall, this solar term is made with three unique micro-seasons in which different natural phenomena occur. For example, the first micro-season belongs to “swothistle” which means that this specific herb is found growing rapidly in this period. 

Xiaoman in Northern China

The second micro-season belongs to the growth of leaves from those weeds in a smooth manner. In the last, the third micro-season belongs to the harvest season which also indicates the beginning of Autumn.

This period starts when the sun reaches 60 degrees Celestial Longitude and ends when it reaches 75 degrees of longitude. So, you can also have an idea about the beginning and end of this solar season if you are aware of the position measuring techniques.

Part 3. Popular Activities During Xiaoman Season

Like other specific periods of solar Calander, some activities are considered to be important for performing in this period. There are multiple activities and traditions that can be associated with Xiaoman. You can find a long list depending on the region that you belong to. For your quick understanding, we have listed the most common activities and traditions related to Xiaoman.

Use Of Water Wheels

As mentioned earlier, Xiaoman Chinese is a period indicating harvesting and Autumn season. To indicate this, water wheels are used for different tasks. It is right to say that farmers feel happy with this season’s indication because their efforts become lower.

To pay respect to water wheels, a specific ceremony is arranged in the village. All villagers come together around the wheel and share snacks before the bell rings to start the ceremony. Using a gong and a drum, a sound is produced to indicate that people can climb onto the wheel and start peddling. You can say that Xiaoman includes a competition of wheel peddling by villagers divided into groups.

Weaving Silk

Like Chinese men, women are also encouraged to enjoy this period of the solar year. For this, Xiaoman has multiple activities in which the women can participate for enjoyment and fun. One of the most appealing and entertaining activities in this regard is weaving silk and paying thanks to silkworms. A common concept in Chinese culture is to consider the Silkworm Goddess a reason for prosperity and success in their lives.

Eating Special Foods

Undoubtedly, there is not strong evidence of this tradition in Chinese culture. However, some people from various regions of the country still took it seriously and ate specific foods in the Xiaoman period. One of the most special dishes in this regard is bitter vegetables. 

Seasonal Chinese vegetable

You can eat these vegetables in different formats or by adding many ingredients like sauces, sesame, and scallions. It is right to say that you can eat bitter vegetables by balancing sweets with the addition of sauces and scallions. 

Part 4. FAQs

What Does Xiaoman Mean?

In Chinese literature, Xiaoman means “a little full” or “lesser fullness”. This solar period indicates the slow progress of different natural processes or changes in the environment.

What Is The 22nd Solar Term?

Winter Solstice is the 22nd solar term of the Chinese Calander that starts on Dec 22 and ends on 5 Jan. It normally indicates the beginning of the winter season with some other indications according to the change in the position of the sun.

Are Xiao Xue And Xiaoman Same?

No, Xiao Xue and Xiaoman are not the same even though they look similar in writing. Xiaoman is the second season of the solar year while Xiao Xue is the 20th solar term of the Calander.

Part 5. Summary

With the above discussion, you must have got an idea about Xiaoman because we have added every possible detail about it. We hope you will be comfortable now when reading about this solar term in Chinese literature. If you are moving to this country, you will find it common to read about Chinese solar terms in its literature and culture because of its deep impacts.