【节气词汇】

Summer Begins 立夏

“Summer Begins” comes on May 5 or May 6 every year. When the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 45 degrees, it’s the beginning of the summer season. “立夏”于每年5月5日-5月6日到来。这时太阳到达天文经度45°，象征着夏天的开始。

【天气特征】

Usually people consider this period as the time where temperature begins to rise obviously, thunderstorm becomes more frequent and crops’ growth enter the peak season. Many crops seeded in spring can be harvested in the summer.
通常人们认为这段时间是气温开始明显上升的时候，雷雨天气愈加频繁，作物进入疯长季节。很多在春季播种的作物可以在夏天收获了。

【传统习俗】

In ancient times, emperor led all his officials outside the palace to welcome this day. Everyone wore vermilion clothes, with vermilion accessories. Even horses, chariots and flags were vermilion. This was to show people’s prayer for good harvest.
在古代，君王会命令所有的大臣去宫殿外庆祝这一天。每个人都身穿朱红色服饰，佩戴朱红色配饰。甚至连马、马车和旗子都是朱红色的。这是为了表达人们对大丰收的美好祝愿。

In folk, people relieve the summer heat with cold drinks. People along the Yangtze River have the customs of boiling and eating broad bean.
在民间，人们通过喝凉水来消暑。长江沿岸的人们在立夏还有煮蚕豆吃的习俗。

【健康小贴士】

Since the temperature rises continuously, people should take food which are easier to digest and are with more vitamins. It’s better to avoid oily and spicy food. Another principle is to eat something good for the heart, for example, milk, bean products and chicken. More vegetables and fruits can help increase the cellulose, Vitamin B and Vitamin C and thus prevent arteriosclerotic diseases.
由于气温持续上升，人们应该吃些易消化、富含更多维生素C的食物。最好避免多油辛辣食物。还有一个原则就是吃一些有益心脏的食物，比如，牛奶，豆制品和肌肉。多吃蔬菜水果可以补充纤维素，维生素B和维生素C，由此可以预防动脉硬化疾病。

 

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