Grain Buds — 2025 insights
Grain Buds小满
Grain Buds notes crops filling with moisture. Southern paddies await transplanting, while northern wheat ripens toward a golden sheen.
Key dates
Gregorian date: 2025-05-21
Lunar date: Fourth lunar month, 24th day, 乙巳 year
Arrives around May 21 to 22
Seasonal origin
Wheat and barley swell with grain heads yet remain unripe.
Seasonal verse
Fields shimmer under early summer sun, farmers bend among emerald rows. Cuckoos call from bamboo groves, urging hands to harvest while dew lingers.
Customs
Waterwheels creak as irrigation begins. Families in Jiangnan steam rice dumplings to honour the coming Dragon Boat Festival season.
Seasonal food
Tender loofah, cucumbers, and beans keep the body hydrated. Light congee with mung beans helps clear internal heat.
Guidance
Stay alert for sudden thunderstorms. Protect digestion by eating on schedule, and pair cooling foods with warming spices so the stomach stays balanced.