"White Dew" (白露, Báilù) is a significant marker in the traditional lunisolar calendar system used in China, which has been adopted by other East Asian cultures such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. This solar term is the 15th out of the 24 solar terms that define the traditional calendar year. It typically occurs around September 7th or 8th, signaling the end of the hot summer days and the onset of cooler autumn nights.
The term "White Dew" refers to the visible dew that appears on the ground and vegetation during the early morning hours. As the temperature drops at night, moisture in the air condenses into droplets of water, creating a glistening appearance that can seem white under the early morning light. This natural phenomenon symbolizes the turning point of the seasons and is often seen as a harbinger of the approaching autumn.
In Chinese agricultural traditions, White Dew is a crucial period because it coincides with the maturation of many crops. Farmers would be busy harvesting rice, cotton, and other summer crops while preparing the fields for winter wheat planting. The weather during this time becomes more favorable for these activities, with less intense heat and increased humidity, which is beneficial for certain crops.
Moreover, White Dew holds cultural significance as well. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the change in climate during this period requires adjustments in diet and lifestyle to maintain health. People may begin to wear warmer clothing and consume more nourishing foods to build up their strength for the coming winter. It is also a time when traditional remedies might be sought to prevent common ailments associated with the changing weather, such as respiratory issues.
In literature and poetry, White Dew often evokes themes of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of life, as the change in seasons brings about reflections on the passage of time. The imagery of the early morning dew is frequently used to express sentiments of beauty and transience, capturing the essence of this transitional period between summer and autumn."