Grain Buds 小满: How China celebrates the little things

The Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain Buds (小满, xiǎo mǎn), the eighth solar term of the year, is the period that usually lasts from May 20 to June 5. Grain buds-literally wheat sprout-is the time of year during which wheat seeds begin the ripening process that will end in the following months. This small sprout, born and growing during the first months of the year, symbolizes the small things, the humble beginnings of life that will slowly grow bursting into our daily lives.

During this period, nature blooms and grows abundantly; our bodies are also ready for healthy and vigorous physical activity. For this reason, it is important to take in plenty of nutrients and lead a healthy life. Walking, jogging and tai chi are just some of the possible activities that can be done during this season.

What to drink during the grain buds season

Summer refers to the element of Fire. As the hottest season of the year arrives, we need to drink teas associated with the elements of Wood and Water to keep our bodies balanced. Fire makes us easily emotional and fills us with excessive energy, Water calms the spirit and our emotions. The element of Wood, on the other hand, serves to balance the effect of Fire on our organs and mitigate Water.

We strongly recommend drinking teas rich in Ying energy to counteract our Inner Fire. The Wood element supports and complements Fire, so the Green teas e Puer Sheng (raw) teas, both Wood teas, are the ideal beverage to calm the bursting strength of Fire. Traditionally, Green teas and Puer Sheng teas can help against heart disease, lower blood pressure, and fight bad breath, all symptoms of an instability of our Fire organs.

To cool our bodies on these hot days, try theAnji Bai Cha and the Pre-Qingming Xi Hu Long Jing Green Tea infused in cold water. We also recommend Sencha teas infused in cool water, such as the Organic Kagoshima Sencha Green Tea, refreshing and soothing with its umami taste.

The best technique for infusing tea

The heart and intestines are Fire organs, prone to diseases and disorders that grow and strengthen during this period. For example, during summer you are more prone to suffer from heat stroke and heart disease. Traditional Chinese medicine recommends using waters that simulate the currents and backwash of river water: the movement and energy generated by this type of water helps against nausea and heatstroke fever. Therefore, while infusing the tea, we recommend gently swirling the infuser with the loose tea inside to simulate the lively currents of a mountain stream.

What to eat during the season of grain buds

At this time we recommend eating fresh, seasonal foods: in China it is the season for fish, cucumber, cherries and garlic shoots. Curious is the presence of wild thistle, a bitter plant that is traditionally eaten to cool, disperse heat and detoxify our bodies. According to some recipes it should be served cold after a quick boil; in others it is added pickled in cold soups. The bitter juice of squeezed wild thistle is also used in the preparation of soups, fillings and pastas.

Another typical fruit of this season is sponge gourd, which has collected and stored rainwater and is rich in juices, ready to be eaten. It is usually fried together with edamame soy beans, creating a bright green dish with a fresh, vibrant flavor. The fresh taste of edamame combines perfectly with the delicacy of sponge gourd.

Traditions

Worship of the God of the Water Wheels

This is an ancient tradition in certain rural areas. According to legend, the God of the Water Wheel is a white dragon. During the season of Grain Buds, farmers offered small gifts of good wishes, such as fish and incense, to the God to ensure an abundant harvest. A cup of water was never missing, to be poured into the field, symbolizing the abundance of water to irrigate the harvest.

An old saying states that three machines were always in motion during this period: the water wheel, the oil mill, and the silk-drawing machine. The three machines indicated the abundance and continuous processing of rice, rapeseed oil and silk. This adage warned against laziness, as the three machines were never to stop.

Celebrating the birthday of the Goddess Protector of the Silkworm

Also according to local legends, the birthday of the Goddess Protector of the Silkworm falls during the Grain Buds period. For centuries, Chinese peasant tradition has established that “men work the land and women weave.” In southern China, women weave silk, which is produced by the silkworm. For this reason, the Protector Goddess is worshipped so that this important industry continues to flourish, especially in rural areas in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.