节气物语 1.8

This application offers a daily encounter with a beautifully crafted sentence, and during festivals, users are greeted with exquisite illustrations.

By accessing the daily phenological text, one can delve into the comprehensive collection of the "Phenological Atlas," which encompasses an exploration of the seventy-two phenological indicators and the intriguing natural connections behind them.

In today's world, where dates and weather are readily available at our fingertips, the traditional solar terms have gradually shifted into cultural symbols, representing a significant aspect of our heritage.

This app invites users to reconnect with the essence of time and life through the lens of nature.

Here is a brief overview of solar terms and phenology:

1. Solar Terms: These are units calculated based on the lunar calendar to represent seasonal climates. There are a total of twenty-four solar terms in a year, each lasting approximately fifteen days.

   Historically, Chinese people used gnomons to measure the length of shadows cast by the sun. The shortest day marked as the Summer Solstice and the longest day as the Winter Solstice. Equal lengths of day and night were recognized as the Spring Equinox and Autumn Equinox. This understanding helped define the four seasons, leading to the evolution of the twenty-four solar terms.

   "Spring rain surprises the springtime clearing grains; summer's fullness mingles with summer heat; autumn brings dew and chills; winter snow heralds both minor and major cold." — Excerpt from "The Song of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms."

2. Phemonology: Ancient laborers in China noted the connections between natural phenomena — such as plant growth cycles and migratory patterns of birds — and seasonal changes, shaping their agricultural practices accordingly. These observations are referred to as phenological phenomena. Consequently, five days were designated as "one phase" and three phases formed a solar term, culminating in seventy-two phases annually.

   For instance, "Beginning of Autumn" is divided into three phases: "The first phase brings cool winds; the second phase sees white dew forming; and in the third phase, cicadas call out their autumn lament."

   The arrival of cool winds indicates a change from summer heat; morning mist signifies the onset of white dew; and the sound of cicadas marks their seasonal presence in autumn.