芒种
Grain in Ear
The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear, (Chinese: 芒种) is the 9th solar term. The arrival of Grain in Ear signifies the ripening of crops such as barley and wheat. It is also a busy period for farmers.
传统的中国农历将一年分为二十四节气。芒种是第9个节气。芒种的到来，标志着大麦和小麦等农作物的成熟。对于农民而言，这也是一个繁忙的时期。
1
Say farewell to the flora
送花神
In ancient China, on the second day of the second solar month, people welcome the arrival of the Flower Goddess. During Grain in Ear people hold sacrificial ceremonies to bid farewell to the flora and show their gratitude. Today, this custom does not exist in many areas of China. The liveliness and excitement of the ceremony can still be seen in the 27th chapter of the Chinese classic novel A Dream of Red Mansions by Cao Xueqin.
在古代，农历2月初2，人们会迎花神。芒种期间，人们会举行祭祀仪式，送花神，以表达对花神的感激之情。今天，这个习俗在中国的很多地方已经不再存在。但人们依然可以在曹雪芹《红楼梦》的第27章中看到仪式的热闹场景。
2
Mud wrestling
泥地摔跤
Youngsters of the Dong people in southeastern Guizhou province hold mud wrestling matches during Grain in Ear. On this day newlyweds, accompanied by their good friends, plant rice together. While planting, they throw mud at each other. At the end of this activity, whoever has the most mud on them proves they are the most popular person.
贵州南部的侗族年轻人，至今仍保留着芒种“泥地摔跤”的习俗。在这天，新婚夫妇在好友的陪伴下一同插秧。插秧时，他们会互相掷泥巴。活动结束时，身上泥巴最多的就是最受欢迎的人。
3
Boil green plums
煮青梅
In South China, May and June are the season when plums become ripe. There was an allusion that Cao Cao and Liu Bei, two central figures in the Three Kingdoms period (AD220-280), talked about heroes while boiling green plums. Green plums contain a variety of natural and high-quality organic acids and are rich in minerals. They can help clean blood, lower blood lipids, eliminate tiredness and improve one's looks. However, fresh plums are acerbic and need to be boiled before serving.
在南方，五六月正是梅子成熟的季节。三国时就有曹操和刘备“青梅煮酒论英雄”的典故。青梅含有多种天然高品质的有机酸和丰富的矿物质，具有净血、降血脂、消除疲劳、美颜的功效。但是新鲜的梅子很酸，需要煮熟再食用。
文字来源| CHINADAILY
