Xiaoman, or Grain Buds, is the second solar term in summer and the 8th of the 24 solar terms of a year, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. It begins on May 21 this year. It is a delicate period when the grains are about to ripen but are not quite there yet. As Xiaoman comes, the season of hot and humid days commences, and everything flourishes.

Grain Budding

by Ouyang Xiu (Song Dynasty)

Tr. Chu Guoxi

A nightingale sings in the willow green,

Shining a bright moon in vast horizon.

My favorite wheat buds on field ridges,

Beaming at faded flowers in the wind.

Source: CGTN, Xinhua, enghunan.gov.cn

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