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The 24 solar terms (二十四节气) were first used in China and now are followed in many other parts of the world. Rain Water, the second solar term. means the increase in rainfall and rise in temperature. Spring is in the air and it’s a great time 10 go on an outing (远足). Many of our foreign readers are interested in knowing more about Rain Water. If you are one of them, now read on.

Spring bamboo shoots

Rain Water is the best time of the year to eat fresh bamboo shoots. It’s said that one can only know the taste of spring after enjoying the spring bamboo shoots. The cooking of bamboo shoots in China dates back to over 2,000 years ago.

The cold spell (寒潮)

The cold spell is a period when the weather is colder than usual. During Rain Water, rainfall can result in lower temperature and wet weather. It is strongly advised not to take off the thick coats too early and to keep warm.

Visits to in-laws (嫡亲)

One of the main customs during Rain Water is husbands’ visiting their in-laws and giving gifts. A typical gift is a pot of cooked food that includes trotters-the feet of pigs. This is a way for the sons-in-law to express their thanks.

Nutritious (有营养的) porridge

The wet weather during Rain Water is considered harmful to people’s health, so a bowl of nutritious porridge is the best choice to warm the body. People in some places have porridge cooked with dihuang to resist cold and wet weather. It is also good for people with problems like headaches.

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