From the eyes of Lao Shu

1 It was an early morning of Grain in Ear. Lively birds sang sweetly in the trees. Villagers hurried to the fields. Under the blue sky, golden fields shone like the sun. The wind blew, sending sweet smells into the air. Adults were busy cutting the wheat. Children raced behind to pick up the ears.   

2 This is one of the best memories of my childhood. I grew up in the countryside of Shandong Province. Most of the villagers there lived by farming. The 24 Solar Terms meant so much to them. The changes of the terms guided both their farming activities and daily lives. The terms helped them understand why things happened at certain times, and how they should react. When I grew up and left my hometown, the 24 Solar Terms followed me. I always feel excited when a new term is set to begin. I longed to share these feelings in my paintings and poems.

3 I didn’t know how popular the paintings would become. I’m so happy that many people, especially the young, are taking a new interest in the ancient wisdom. In the hundreds of comments below my posts, others shared similar memories and feelings. Now people may be moving away from farming. However, the ancient way of dividing time stays close to our hearts.          

4 The 24 Solar Terms are known as the “Fifth Great Invention of China”. They help people understand why nature works this way. Many of the 24 Solar Terms bear social and cultural meanings, too. People celebrate their arrival with traditional activities. For example, many people still eat spring pancakes at Start of Spring and dumplings at Start of Winter. The ancient calendar has never disappeared from the life of the Chinese.