A milder mentality

The world beginning to become solemn is the indicator of the second micro season. It is a gradual, chilling experience during which everything starts to wither. It also means that the vibrant and lush summer is about to leave. It might signal the end for many creatures, but the period also suggests the grains of millet, rice and sorghum are ripe for harvest－the third season indicator of this particular term.

Farmers hold various ceremonies to thank the land. Some plant flags in the middle of the field to express their gratitude, and some do not wash their feet when they come home from work in the fields on this day, for fear of washing away the harvest they have received.

Many do not know that ancestor worship is actually one of the most cherished customs during chushu. There will be folk activities to celebrate the overlapping Zhongyuan Festival, commonly known as "Ghost Festival", which takes place on the 15th day of the seventh month in the lunar calendar. In the old days, from the beginning of the seventh month, there was a ceremony to open the gate of hell, and until it was closed at the end of the month, there would be almsgiving activities.