Grain in Ear is the ninth solar term in the twenty-four solar terms and is the only one that directly guides agricultural activities. It marks the official start of the midsummer season and indicates the beginning of busy farming life. In most regions of China, with the arrival of Grain in Ear, summer crops are harvested, summer-sown autumn crops are planted, and spring-planted crops require management, leading to the bustling "three summers" season of harvesting, sowing, and managing.

Meteorological conditions

During the Grain in Ear solar term, there is abundant rainfall, rising temperatures, and increased humidity, often resulting in extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, hail, strong winds, and drought.

Cultural significance 

Worshipping the Flower Goddess: On Grain in Ear day, people hold rituals to send the Flower Goddess back to her position, expressing gratitude and hoping to meet again next year.

Wishing for good harvest (Anmiao): In southern Anhui, there is a farming custom called Anmiao. At the time of Grain in Ear, after planting rice, families steam flour dough shaped into various forms representing grains, livestock, fruits, and vegetables using new wheat flour, then dye them with vegetable juices as offerings to pray for an abundant harvest.

Cooking plums: In the south, there is also the custom of "cooking plums". May and June are the seasons for ripening plums. Green plums contain various high-quality organic acids and rich minerals, offering benefits such as purifying the blood, improving digestion, lowering blood lipids, and relieving fatigue. However, fresh plums are often sour and astringent, making them hard to eat directly, so they are typically processed through cooking.