What
Xiaoman is the eighth solar term among the 24 Chinese solar terms, usually on May 20 or 21 every year. "Xiaoman" means: the seeds of summer-ripened crops have begun to fill, but are not yet completely full. For the Chinese, Xiaoman is a moment of "almost full but not yet full" - the wheat has already set ears but is not yet mature; life has achieved something but has not yet reached its peak.
Why
Why is Xiaoman so important?
- Agricultural reasons: During the Xiaoman season, wheat in northern China begins to "fill" - the grains gradually become fuller. "When Xiaoman is dissatisfied, the pawns are ignored" - If the wheat has not grown well when Xiaoman is full, it will be too late for the pawns. Xiaoman is the "most nervous" moment for farmers - a year of hard work only lasts for half a month.
- Climate reasons: During the Xiaoman season, southern China enters the "Meiyu" season. "The rivers are full, the rivers are full" - there is more rain and the water level of the rivers rises. This climate is good for crops, but it is "unbearably hot and humid" for people. When the Chinese say "xiaoman", they are also talking about "moisture" - the moisture in the body begins to accumulate.
- Cultural reasons: Xiaoman is the "most philosophical" solar term in China. Chinese people never say "big full" - because "full will overflow", if it is too full, it will overflow. Xiaoman's wisdom is: pursue "just right" rather than "perfect". This is the embodiment of the Chinese "gold mean" in solar terms.
How
Xiaoman’s three major customs:
- Sacrifice to the God of Cars: In ancient times, Xiaoman would "sacrifice to the God of Cars" on this day. The God of Chariots is the god in charge of waterwheels - farmland must be irrigated during the Xiaoman season, and waterwheels are the most important tool for farmers. Worshiping the God of Cars is not "superstition", but "gratitude" - thanks for tools and labor.
- Eating bitter vegetables: "If Xiaoman eats bitter vegetables, he will not be bitter all summer." During the Xiaoman season, Chinese people eat bitter vegetables, a wild vegetable with an extremely bitter taste. Eating bitter vegetables is to "clear away heat and detoxify" and prevent summer heat and humidity. This is the Chinese "preventive medicine" - using food to regulate the body before illness occurs.
- Look at the yellowing of the wheat shoots: During the Xiaoman season, farmers in the north have to "look at the yellowing of the wheat shoots" - stand at the edge of the field to see if the wheat ears have turned yellow. When the wheat shoots turn yellow, it means it is "almost ripe" and it is time to prepare for harvesting. This is the "most anticipated" moment for farmers - a year of hard work finally pays off.
When
Xiaoman's best scene: the wheat field at dusk. As the sun sets, the golden sunlight shines on the wheat ears, making the wheat field look like a golden ocean. The wind blew and the wheat waves rolled, making a rustling sound. The farmer stood on the ridge of the field, holding an ear of wheat in his hand, gently rubbing it open to see if the kernels inside were full. This is the moment of "anticipation" - it's almost done, wait a little longer.
Where
At Giaokz.com in Florence, we, Xiaoman, will prepare "bitter herb salad" today. The Italian guest said: "Bitter vegetables? Isn't that bitter?" I said: "Bitter, but this is Xiaoman's wisdom - suffer first, then it will not be bitter later. Just like your life, if you don't experience difficulties, how do you know what is good?"
One Word
full (mǎn)
The "man" in "xiaoman" is not the "man" in "full", but the "man" in "almost full but not full". The Chinese never say "full" because "full will overflow" - if it is too full, it will overflow; if it is too perfect, it will decay. Xiaoman's wisdom is: leave a little space, a little margin, and a little expectation. This is the essence of the Chinese "gold mean" - being impartial, not falling short, and just right.
---
> 💡 Remember Xiaoman in one sentence: Xiaoman is the wisdom of "almost full but not full" - the pursuit of perfection is not as good as the pursuit of just right.