MUZI MUZIChinese Matrix

Cold Dew

The dew turns cold, close to freezing

Introduction

Dew grows cold and near to frost; harvest and sowing are in full swing

Cold Dew is the seventeenth solar term, beginning when the sun reaches 195° of ecliptic longitude, around 7–9 October. As the sun's direct point moves further south, temperatures fall and the dew grows cold, close to turning into frost; it is the first term whose name contains 'cold'. Its three pentads are wild geese arriving as guests, sparrows entering the sea to become clams, and chrysanthemums blooming yellow. From Cold Dew to Frost Descent is the busy season of autumn harvest and sowing: the north sows winter wheat, the south reaps single-crop late rice and guards against the cold-dew wind. Customs include viewing chrysanthemums, climbing heights and eating sesame.

Timeline

Western Han to present
139 BCE · OriginThe Western Han Huainanzi (Tianwen xun, c. 139 BCE) sets out the twenty-four terms by the pointing of the Dipper's handle, recording 'fifteen days on, it points to xin: Cold Dew', the earliest systematic attestation of Cold Dew.104 BCE · EvolutionWith the Taichu calendar of 104 BCE under Emperor Wu of Han, the twenty-four solar terms entered the official calendar, and Cold Dew became a fixed term in it.1645 · EvolutionIn 1645 the Qing Shixian calendar replaced equal time division with the true-longitude rule, fixing Cold Dew at the moment the sun reaches 195° of ecliptic longitude, as it still is today.
  1. 139 BCEOriginThe Western Han Huainanzi (Tianwen xun, c. 139 BCE) sets out the twenty-four terms by the pointing of the Dipper's handle, recording 'fifteen days on, it points to xin: Cold Dew', the earliest systematic attestation of Cold Dew.
  2. 104 BCEEvolutionWith the Taichu calendar of 104 BCE under Emperor Wu of Han, the twenty-four solar terms entered the official calendar, and Cold Dew became a fixed term in it.
  3. 1645EvolutionIn 1645 the Qing Shixian calendar replaced equal time division with the true-longitude rule, fixing Cold Dew at the moment the sun reaches 195° of ecliptic longitude, as it still is today.

Heritage Listings

  1. 2006National List of Representative Items of Intangible Cultural Heritage1st batch · X-68 Twenty-Four Solar Terms of the Lunar Calendar · nominated by the China Agricultural Museum · collective item
  2. 2016UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of HumanityThe Twenty-Four Solar Terms · knowledge in China of time and practices developed through observation of the sun's annual motion · collective inscription