Chushu or “Stopping the Heat” fell on August 23, 2018. As the 14th of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, it reflects the end of the hot summer period.

The Chushu period will witness a change in temperature, as China starts to cool down for autumn. During this time, it will still be hot during the day but cooler in the mornings and evenings. According to traditional Chinese theory, people should pay attention to the balance between the yin (negative) and yang (positive) in the body, and wear suitable clothing during the day.

 It’s also suggested that rest and diet change accordingly. Getting enough sleep is very important, and taking an afternoon nap will help avoid fatigue while enhancing the body’s natural defenses. Spicy or fried food together with the upcoming autumn dryness could be harmful, so instead traditional Chinese theory suggests going for light foods full of vitamins and protein, which are meant to be better for the stomach and spleen.

People in China often take a short vacation out of the city to welcome in the Chushu period. Another ancient tradition is to light up lotus-shaped lanterns to float down the river. It’s thought that by doing so, ghosts of those who have died at sea will be guided to heaven.

For fishermen, Chushu is the start of harvest season as the summer fishing ban is lifted. A grand festival is generally held every year to celebrate the start of fishing season.