China welcomes 'Major Heat' with vibrant traditions

Marking the peak of summer, Dashu or Major Heat is the twelfth of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and signals the hottest, most humid time of the year. It is also the season most prone to thunderstorms. Across China, this period is observed with unique folk customs and health-conscious culinary traditions that reflect regional cultures and ancient wisdom.

In coastal Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, locals carry out the "Major Heat Boat" ritual. Residents parade a symbolic wooden boat through the streets, accompanied by the sounds of drums, gongs, and firecrackers. The boat, which represents prayers for safety and disaster prevention, is eventually brought to the harbor for ceremonial blessings – an expression of the community's hopes for peace and protection.

In southern Shandong Province, people uphold the custom of enjoying bowls of hot lamb soup. This practice stems from traditional Chinese medicine, which emphasizes "treating winter diseases in summer." It is believed that consuming lamb soup during this period helps maintain the body's metabolic balance and prevent seasonal ailments.

In Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, locals beat the heat by drinking "Fucha" – a cooling brew made with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs like mint and licorice. Similarly, in Guangdong, grass jelly is a popular summer refreshment. The plant is dried, boiled into a thick black jelly, then sweetened and served cold, offering a soothing antidote to summer's intensity.

Due to the extreme heat and high humidity during "Dashu," the risk of heatstroke and fatigue increases, especially among the elderly, children, and those with weak constitutions. Traditional health practices during this time emphasize eating light, cooling, and nourishing foods. Herbal porridges, bitter vegetables, mung bean soup, and wax gourd are commonly consumed to clear heat and restore energy.

From spiritual rituals to seasonal healing foods, "Dashu" blends tradition, community, and well-being – offering a unique glimpse into how ancient customs continue to shape daily life in modern China.