Today marks “Bailu”, the 15th of the 24solar terms in the Chinese Lunar Calendar. It signifies the beginning of a coolautumn. The temperature declines gradually and the vapors in the air often condenseinto white dew on the grass and trees at night. As each solar term is dividedinto three pentads, the three pentads of the Bailu fall into: “the coming ofthe wild geese”, which refers to the southward migration of geese, “the darkbirds’ return” which refers to swallows and “birds stock their hoards” meaningall birds start to store food for winter.

Traditions of Bailu

Eat longan fruit

It is believed especially energy-reinforcing to eat longans on the Bailu, as believed by residents in Fuzhou of southeastern China’s Fujian Province. The local proverb even suggests that eating a small longan on the particular day will equal to eat a chicken.

Taste Bailu tea

Bailu tea indicates green tea collected and processed around the Bailu, which is especially popular in Nanjing of Jiangsu Province. Though not as gentle as the tea collected in spring, the tea usually gives off a strong flavor favored by many tea lovers.

Drink Mijiu

Many families would make Mijiu by themselves on this day. Mijiu, or rice wine, is a Chinese rice wine made from glutinous rice. It is generally looks clear and tastes somewhat sweet similar to its Japanese counterpart sake. It’s a traditional beverage to the Chinese and is believed to be beneficial in improving metabolism and improving skin.

Eat Silkies

Black-bone chicken with white feather is especially popular on the day. Traditionally, the chicken has to be cooked together with 10 herbs named after bai (white), such as bai mu jin (white Rose mallow) and bai mao xia ku cao (white ajuga).