Today marks Chǔshǔ (End of Heat), the second solar term of autumn.

Shadows grow longer, and the sky becomes clearer and higher with each passing day.

Among the twenty-four solar terms, the journey through the "heat" has now reached its end. The sweltering heat, first stirring in Lesser Heat, raging fiercely during Greater Heat, has nearly vanished by End of Heat.

End of Heat literally means "the heat departs". The character "处(chǔ)" carries meanings of concealment and cessation. In terms of climate, summer truly bids farewell at this time.

Looking up at the sky, the thick clouds of midsummer are gently thinned, lifted, and scattered by autumn winds.

The wind carries away the lingering heat while quietly bringing with it a touch of wistful longing.

The oppressive heat easily induces drowsiness, but when the first cool breeze awakens clarity, the worries within the heart seem to stir as well.

As the heat dissipates, the world grows more serene—breezes fresh, clouds light, skies high, and the moon bright.

In this subtle transition from heat to coolness, people follow nature's rhythm and welcome autumn in unique ways:

Among folk customs, there is a tradition of eating duck during End of Heat. Duck meat is cool and sweet in nature, nourishing yin, moistening dryness, dispelling the lingering heat of the "Autumn Tiger", and replenishing the body. In addition, drinking sour plum soup and eating refreshing melons and fruits are ways to adapt to the season and ward off autumn dryness.

At this time, activities like releasing river lanterns and the opening of the fishing season express people's emotions. The floating river lanterns carry sorrow for departed loved ones and blessings for the future; While in coastal regions, the opening of the fishing season reflects reverence for seasonal cycles and hope for a bountiful life.

End of Heat has arrived, autumn's hues gradually spread. Nature subtly transforms, and the heart broadens with it.

What is End of Heat? Ancient wisdom gives a simple yet profound answer:"Wherever light shines, the heart grows strong—free of worries, free of lingering heat."

So, let us stand at this seasonal crossing of End of Heat, quietly awaiting the grand arrival of autumn:

Wait for autumn's gentle light,

Wait for autumn's drowsy sun,

Wait for autumn's wind to caress the distant hills,

Wait for autumn's waters to stir the strings of the heart!

May all that you long for find its echo;

May you be safe always, and joyful year after year.