As summer progresses and the heat intensifies, Xiaoman, the eighth solar term of the Chinese lunar calendar, arrives. Falling on May 21st or 22nd, Xiaoman not only marks the arrival of hot and humid weather, but also signifies the flourishing of all things.
立夏已过，暑气渐浓。小满，是二十四节气中的第八个节气，标志着夏季的中点。在公历5月21日或22日，小满不仅标志着湿热天气的到来，也寓意着万物繁茂。
Harvest
收获
"Xiaoman, the grain is not yet full, referring to the wheat's arrival in mid-April." The name Xiaoman is related to the agricultural climate and precipitation. During this time, northern wheat is gradually maturing, but the seeds are not yet ripe, hence the name "Xiaoman." However, the temperature gradually rises, and there are frequent rainstorms, making it a golden period for plant growth. Therefore, in ancient times, Xiaoman was a very important time for farmers. Farmers would harvest wheat, barley, and other grains, and plant summer crops such as rice and corn. Everything on the earth is busy during this time.
“小满，四月中，谓麦之气至此方小满，因未熟也。”小满的名称与农候与降水相关。此时北方小麦逐渐成熟，但籽粒仍未成熟，故称小满。但在这个时候，气温逐渐升高，暴雨增加，降水频繁，是植物生长的黄金时期。因此古代，小满对农民来说是一个非常重要的时间，此时的农民会收获小麦、大麦和其他谷物，也会种植水稻、玉米等其他夏季作物，大地上的一切都处于忙碌状态。
Vitality
生机
As the folk saying goes, "Xiaoman, Xiaoman, the rivers and lakes gradually become full." Xiaoman represents the gradual increase in summer temperatures and the hotter weather. The temperature during this solar term is generally around 25℃, with high relative humidity and more water in the air. Therefore, plants on the earth begin to grow vigorously, and flowers begin to bloom, making it a time of vitality and vigor. Some regions hold sacrificial activities to pray for a good harvest and peace. "Treading on the green" activities are also popular during this time, and people go to the countryside or parks to play and have picnics, enjoying the beauty and freshness of nature.
如民谚所言：小满小满，江河渐满。小满是夏季气温逐渐升高，天气变得更加炎热的代表。这个节气的气温一般在25℃左右，相对湿度较高，空气中的水分也比较多，因此大地上的植物开始茂盛生长，花卉也开始绽放，草木葱茏。古人信仰万物有灵，部分地区会举办祭祀活动，祈求丰收和平安。“踏青”活动也在此时兴盛，人们会到郊外或公园里游玩、野餐，感受大自然的美好和清新。
Growth
成长
Xiaoman is a solar term related to agriculture and is also the most reflective of the wisdom of ancient Chinese people. Xiaoman is not only a time to think about personal growth and development but also an excellent time to set new goals and learn new things. Just like the ripening of crops, we also need to enrich our skills and knowledge to grow stronger.
小满是一个与农耕有关的节气，也是最能体现古代中国人智慧的节气。小满时节，既是思考个人成长和发展的时段，也是设定新目标、学习新事物的好时机。就如农作物的成熟一样，我们也需要丰富自己的技能与知识，以便茁壮成长。
Fullness invites loss, while modesty brings gain. Xiaoman is full of vitality and energy, reflecting the agricultural civilization and spirit of ancient people. Today's Xiaoman may not only be a microcosm of agricultural life but also a time for us to feel the vitality and prosperity of nature, and experience the beauty and hope of all things flourishing, abundant yet not full, just right.
满招损，谦受益。小满，富有生机和活力，是古人农耕文明与精神的体现。如今的小满，可能不只只是农耕生活的缩影，我们可以从中感受到大自然的生机和繁荣，也可以体验万物始茂的美好与希望，盈而未满，恰到好处。
Date: May 21, 2023
