Grain in Ear: China's agricultural peak and the plum rain season

Thursday marks Mangzhong, known in English as the "Grain in Ear," a traditional Chinese solar term that usually occurs in early June. As the ninth solar term of the year and the third of the summer season, it represents one of the most active times for farmers across the country.

The name Mangzhong cleverly plays on the phrase for "busy planting" in Chinese, perfectly capturing the flurry of agricultural activity during this period. From north to south, farmers across China are working hard to sow a wide range of crops – from beans and grains to sweet potatoes – tailoring their efforts to the local soil and climate conditions.

This time also signals the start of increased rainfall. In southern China, the heavy rains during this time are known as the "Plum Rain" season, named after the fruit that ripens around this time.

While the frequent rain may be a headache, the plum itself holds a special place in Chinese culture. For thousands of years, people have developed numerous methods to prepare plum wine, a beloved traditional drink.