Grain Buds

小满 · XiǎomǎnGregorian May 20–22Solar longitude 60°

Wheat kernels fill but do not yet ripen: “small fullness.” The ancients cherished precisely this — abundance held just short of excess.

Dearest of all, the wheat upon the ridge,

laughing into the wind as petals fall.

— attr. Ouyang Xiu (Song), “Xiaoman”

最爱垄头麦
迎风笑落红
欧阳修(传) · 小满

Pale Wheat Gold

Three Pentads

三候

The ancients divided each solar term into three pentads of five days, recording nature's subtle changes.

一候苦菜秀

First pentad — Bitter herbs flourish

二候靡草死

Second pentad — Delicate shade-grasses wither

III

三候麦秋至

Third pentad — The wheat's own autumn arrives

节气色谱

One leading color with three companions, all drawn from the traditional Chinese color canon.

缃色#D2B042

xiāngsè · Pale Wheat Gold

麦芽#C7A252

màiyá · Malt

苦荬绿#7E9E72

kǔmǎilǜ · Sowthistle Green

蚕茧白#F2EADA

cánjiǎnbái · Cocoon White

风物

Honoring the waterwheel god as irrigation season begins.

祭车神——水车启用之时,祭祀车神祈求灌溉顺利。

Eating bitter greens to dispel summer heat, in step with the season.

食苦菜——小满吃苦,清热降火,应时而食。