Draft:Frost's Descent

Frost Drops, the 18th of the 24 solar terms and the last of the autumn season, falls on October 23 or 24 each year in the Gregorian calendar. At this time, the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 210 degrees, marking the transition from autumn to winter. The name "Frost Drops" comes from the phrase "the air turns cold and crisp, and dew condenses into frost," signifying that the weather gradually cools, with increasing day-night temperature differences, causing water vapor near the ground to condense into frost at night or dawn, hence the name.^[1][2]

Climate Characteristics

During Frost Drops, temperatures drop significantly across most regions of China, with larger day-night temperature differences. In northern areas, cold winds blow and leaves fall, with some parts in the northwest and northeast already entering winter. In southern regions, especially in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and the south of China, temperatures fluctuate noticeably. Dry cold air dominates during this period, while warm and humid air recedes, resulting in relatively simple weather conditions. After Frost Drops, the first frost begins to appear, commonly seen in the Yellow River basin, while in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and Lingnan regions, it may be delayed until mid or late November or even later.

Phenological Phenomena

The three phenological phenomena of Frost Drops are: first, the jackals offer their prey; second, the grass and trees turn yellow and fall; third, the insects go into hiding. During this time, grasses and trees wither, insects hibernate, and nature presents a desolate scene. Chrysanthemums bloom, and maple leaves turn red, creating a unique autumn scenery. There is a folk saying that "frost makes chrysanthemums bloom," and climbing to admire chrysanthemums has become a elegant activity.

Traditional Customs

Food Customs: There is a folk proverb that "no winter tonic is as good as Frost Drops tonic," suggesting that tonic during this period can help withstand the cold winter. Many places have the custom of eating persimmons, symbolizing "everything goes as one wishes"; in northern areas, people eat lamb and beef to "gain autumn weight," while in southern regions, they eat duck and welcome frost rabbit meat.

Chrysanthemum Appreciation: During Frost Drops, chrysanthemums are in full bloom.古人设宴赏菊、赋诗泼墨，表达对菊花的喜爱。The ancients held banquets to appreciate chrysanthemums, wrote poems, and painted, expressing their love for chrysanthemums.

Climbing High: Some regions have the custom of climbing high to look far, symbolizing welcoming the cold winter and enhancing physical fitness.

Cultural Connotations

Frost Drops carries profound cultural connotations, symbolizing the transition of seasons and the cycle of life. In ancient poetry, Frost Drops often serves as a寄托情感，如元稹《霜降九月中》云：“风卷清云尽，空天万里霜。”It寄托情感，如元稹《霜降九月中》云：“风卷清云尽，空天万里霜。”Its English translation "First Frost" is also widely used, reflecting the integration of nature and human culture. In modern society, Frost Drops culture is passed down through festival activities, health lectures, and other forms, emphasizing the harmony between heaven and man and the principles of health preservation.

Health Preservation Suggestions

During Frost Drops, it is necessary to prevent autumn dryness, autumn cold, and autumn depression. It is recommended to eat more foods that nourish yin and moisten dryness, such as pears and lily; strengthen exercise, such as climbing high and jogging; pay attention to adding clothes and keeping warm, especially when there are large day-night temperature differences. Following the principle of "following the rhythm of nature for health preservation" can enhance resistance and safely。^[3]

References

1. 节令之美｜霜降：防寒润燥养身心
2. 数说节气谚语：秋色至此深 霜降时节哪里将迎来初霜冻？
3. 何以中国丨中国节气·霜降