The Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Grain in Ear, the 9th solar term, begins on June 6 this year and ends on June 20.

中国二十四节气的第9个节气是芒种。今年的芒种从6月6日开始，6月20日结束。

The arrival of Grain in Ear signifies the ripening of crops such as barley and wheat. The following are seven things you need to know about Grain in Ear.

芒种的到来意味着麦子等谷物的成熟。一起来了解一下关于芒种的7个常识。

Grain in Ear. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

An increase in rainfall 雨水增多

Rainfall increases during Grain in Ear. [Photo/Sipaphoto.com]

Rainfall increases during Grain in Ear compared to the previous eight solar terms. Regions in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River are about to enter the Plum Rains season.

相比之前8个节气，芒种期间雨水会有所增多。长江中下游地区将进入梅雨季节。

Plum Rains, often occurring during June and July, refer to the long period of continuous rainy or cloudy weather. This happens to be the time for plums to ripen, which explains the origin of its name. Plum Rains is a good period for growing rice, vegetables and fruits.

梅雨季节通常在6月和7月，这一期间会有阴雨连绵的天气。此时正好梅子成熟，因而得名。梅雨季节是种植稻米、蔬菜和水果的好时机。

Pray for good harvest 祈求丰收

"An Miao" (meaning seedling protection) is a traditional farming activity of southern Anhui province that has been practiced since the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). [Photo/Sipaphoto.com]

"An Miao" (meaning seedling protection) is a traditional farming activity of southern Anhui province that has been practiced since the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Every year when Grain in Ear comes, they hold the sacrificial ceremony to pray for good harvests in the fall. People make different types of bread from wheat flour and color them with vegetable juice. The bread is used as a sacrificial offering to pray for a good harvest and people's safety.

芒种安苗是安徽南部始于明初的一种传统农事活动。每年芒种到来时，他们都会举行祭祀典礼，祈求秋季丰收。人们会用面粉做出各种形状的馒头，并用蔬菜汁染上颜色。这些馒头作为祭品用于祈求丰收和安康。

Say farewell to the flora 送别花神