Why is International Chinese Day held in Grain Rain?
Grain Rain is the sixth solar term among the 24 solar terms and the last solar term in spring. Grain Rain is taken from the meaning of "Rain gives birth to hundreds of valleys", and its main feature is continuous spring rain, when precipitation increases obviously. The seedlings in the field are newly planted, and the new crops need rain most. Only when the rainfall is sufficient and timely can the cereal crops thrive.
According to legend, the origin of "Grain Rain" is related to the creation of characters in Cangjie. It is said that Cangjie's word-making touched God and gave him a Grain Rain, so everyone in the world was saved. Grain Rain's offering sacrifices to Cang Xie is a folk tradition that has spread for thousands of years since the Han Dynasty. United Nations Chinese Day is set on the traditional solar term "Grain Rain" in China to commemorate the contribution of Cang Xie, the ancestor of Chinese characters.
Grain Rain solar term, ranked sixth, is the last solar term in spring. From April of Gregorian calendar 19 to April of February12008, the word Grain Rain comes from "Rain gives birth to hundreds of valleys", which is also the expression of ancient farming culture in China.
According to folklore, Cang Xie invented reach for the sky's writing. So, it began to rain. In recognition of Cang Xie's contribution, he designated the date of planting millet as Grain Rain, and ordered everyone to sing and dance on this day, thanking God for his gift. This folklore has a strong mythical color, but it also confirms the significance of Cangjie's word-making from the side.
Therefore, every year, Grain Rain, Baishui County, the hometown of Cang Xie in Shaanxi Province, and Luonan County, the hometown of word-making in Cangjie, will hold activities to worship Cang Xie. Since 20 14, the legend of Cang Xie has been listed in the fourth batch of national intangible cultural heritage representative projects.
Grain Rain national customs:
Sacrifice to the sea: In Grain Rain season, the sea gets warmer, and hundreds of fish go to the shallow sea, which is a good day to go fishing. As the saying goes, "Go online by Grain Rain." In order to go to sea safely and return home with a full load, fishermen will hold a sea sacrifice in the Grain Rain on this day and pray for Poseidon's blessing. Therefore, the Grain Rain Festival is also called the "strong festival" for fishermen to go fishing.
In the past, every village had a temple of the sea or mother. When it's time for sacrifice, fishermen carry their offerings to the front of the temple for sacrifice, while others carry them to the seaside, beating gongs and drums, setting off firecrackers and offering sacrifices to the sea. The scene is very grand.
Go to Grain Rain: There was a custom of going to Grain Rain in ancient times. On this day in Grain Rain, young women went to visit relatives in the village, and some people came back after walking in the wild. The implication is to integrate with nature and keep fit.