Weatherwatch: Chinese farmers hope for rain at time of ‘small fullness’
Summary
Xiaoman, meaning “small fullness,” is a Chinese solar term in late May that marks a key time for growing crops and silk production. Farmers in China hope for heavy rain during this period to fill rice fields and ensure healthy harvests, while traditional signs and customs are linked to weather and protecting silkworms.Key Facts
- Xiaoman occurs in the last two weeks of May and means “small fullness” or “grain buds.”
- In northern China, it refers to growing wheat grains; in southern China, it relates to rivers filling with rainwater.
- The weather during Xiaoman is usually warm and humid.
- Chinese farmers wish for heavy rain to fill rice paddies, as dry fields then may lead to problems later in summer.
- Frogs croaking loudly and low-flying bees or flies are traditional signs that rain is coming.
- Xiaoman is important for silk production and is celebrated as the birthday of the silkworm goddess Leizu.
- Thunder was thought to harm silkworms, so farmers would bang drums to help silkworms get used to loud sounds before storms arrived.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.