中國玄學基礎知識: 二十四節氣

Chinese Metaphysics Basics: twenty-four solar terms or twenty-four seasons

 

大暑Great heat (Da Shu)

（The English version is available below)

 

正值中伏前後，一年最炎熱時期，喜溫作物迅速生長；雨水甚多。

大暑，是二十四節氣中的第十二個節氣，也是夏季最後一個節氣，太陽黃經為120°。

“暑”是炎熱的意思，大暑，指炎熱之極。大暑相對小暑，更加炎熱，是一年中陽光最猛烈、最炎熱的節氣，“濕熱交蒸”在此時到達頂點。大暑氣候特徵：高温酷熱、雷暴、颱風頻繁。「大暑要熱透，才有好年冬」，表示大暑之炎熱，及象徵四時運轉應有其分。

酷熱多雨，容易中暑，暑熱夾濕常使人食欲不振。

充分休息，避免暴曬，清淡飲食。

大暑前後的民俗節慶，六月十五日俗稱「半年節」，有吃「半年圓」的習俗。半年圓是用糯米磨粉加紅麵搓成，大多數是煮甜的，先拜神祭祖後再全家人食用，象徵團圓與甜蜜。

而六月十九日，是觀世音菩薩的得道日，與二月十九觀音誕辰、九月十九觀音升天日同為一年裏面觀音菩薩的三大祭典日。六月十九當天，各地寺廟都會舉行觀音法會，一般人也喜歡在這一天到寺廟點一盞長明燈，以祈求家安宅吉。

Great Heat is the twelfth solar term of the twenty-four solar terms and the last solar term in summer. The celestial meridian of the sun is 120° and it is the hottest period of the year, crops grow rapidly as there is a lot of rain.

 

"Su" means scorching heat, and Da Shu refers to extreme heat. Compared with the “Moderate heat”, the “Great heat” is hotter, and it is in fact the most sunny and hottest solar term in a year, and the "humid heat and steam" reaches its peak at this time. Climate characteristics of Great Summer: high temperature, intense heat, frequent thunderstorms and typhoons.  It is believed that “Great heat” must be thoroughly hot to have a good winter, which means the heat of this solar term symbolizes the rotation of the four seasons.

 

The heat and humidity often make people lose their appetite and some may suffer from heatstroke. Therefore, get enough rest, avoid sun exposure, and eat lightly.

 

During the “Great Heat” solar term, on the 19^th day of 6^th Lunar month, Bodhisattva attains enlightenment. Many people like to go to temples to light a long burning lantern on this day to pray for family safety and good luck.