What is the second solar term in summer?

Xiaoman is one of the twenty-four solar terms and the second solar term in summer. Xiaoman-refers to the seeds of summer crops that are full, but not yet mature, just small and not yet full. Every year from May 20th to 22nd, when the sun reaches 60 degrees, it is in full bloom.

China astronomical calendar shows that the solar term "Xiao Man" will be ushered in at 2 1: 49 on May 20th, Beijing time. On the origin of the solar term "Little Man", one theory reflects the climatic characteristics of heavy rainfall in the south: "Little Man and River Man", and the other theory explains that the summer grain in the north is full, but immature, but small but not full.

The custom of Xiao Man

Most of Xiaoman's customs are related to farming, and offering sacrifices to car gods is one of them. Sacrificing the car god is an ancient small custom in some rural areas. In the past, irrigation and drainage with waterwheels was an important event in rural areas. As the saying goes, "when a small truck is full, three cars can start", and the water truck is started when a small truck is full.

Legend has it that the "car god" is a white dragon, and farmers put fish and incense sticks on the car seat to worship it in front of the water. What is special is that there is a cup of white water in the sacrifice, which is poured into the field during the sacrifice, which means that the water source will flourish, indicating that farmers in the old society pay attention to water conservancy irrigation and drainage. During the Xiaoman solar term, there is also the "Silkworm Prayer Festival" in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. In ancient times, the solar terms were full, new silk was about to be listed, and the silk market was about to turn prosperous. Silkworm farmers and silk merchants are full of expectations, waiting for the harvest day to come as soon as possible.