[The 24 Solar Terms] Taisho (Great Heat)

Taisho (Greater Heat)

Approximately July 23rd - August 6th

Taisho (Greater Heat) is considered the period of most intense heat throughout the year. On the traditional calendar, it is the last solar term of summer.

With cicadas singing in the high sky and the sun relentlessly shining down, this period marks the peak of summer. For children, it's the long-awaited start of summer vacation, and fireworks displays and summer festivals are held all over the country.

Doyo-no-Ushi-no-Hi, when people eat eel to build up stamina against the intense heat, also falls during this period.

 

The Seventy-Two Micro-Seasons

Approximately July 23rd - 27th: Kiri Hajimete Hana o Musubu (Paulownia trees first bear fruit)

This is the time when paulownia flowers begin to bear fruit.

The pale purple flowers that bloomed in spring gradually swell into fruit under the summer sun. Paulownia has long been considered a "tree of good omen" and has been used in family crests and traditional decorations.

Paulownia branches are also available as autumn branches. Although relatively few, they are characterized by their distinctive appearance, like beige velvet.

 

Approximately July 28th - August 1st: Tsuchi Uruoute Mushi Atsushi (Damp earth, muggy air)

This is when the muggy heat, enough to dampen the earth, becomes intense.

Heat and humidity build up underground, and as the sun rises, temperatures soar. The rising heat, enveloping everything, is truly "midsummer."

While it can be a tough time for the body, it's also a vital energy source for the growth of rice and vegetables. The abundance of summer is nurtured precisely by this muggy heat.

 

Approximately August 2nd - 6th: Taiu Tokidoki Furu (Heavy rains sometimes fall)

This is the time when sudden evening showers and thunderstorms occur.

Evening showers, where the sky suddenly darkens and violent thunderstorms arrive, have long been a summer tradition. This rain moistens the ground dried by the strong sunlight and refreshes the air.

After the rain stops, the temperature eases, and the scent of earth and grass gently rises. It's a moment when nature seems to take a deep breath.

 

Seasonal Delights, Events, etc.

A custom during Taisho is "Doyo-no-Ushi-no-Hi," when people eat eel.

Nutritious eel has been cherished as a wisdom to restore stamina and appetite when feeling summer fatigue. Besides eel, there was also a custom to ward off the heat by eating foods starting with the "u" sound, such as umeboshi (pickled plums), udon noodles, and uri (gourds).

For fruits, peaches and watermelons are in season. The refreshing sweetness of chilled fruit soothes the parched body.

 

Summary of "Taisho"

Taisho is a season when nature exerts its full power to nurture life.

In recent years, this overwhelming energy has been called extreme heat, and there are times when we even feel our lives are in danger.

While skillfully managing the heat, we also want to enjoy moments like spotting summer mirages and listening to the chorus of cicadas.

After Taisho, comes Risshu (Beginning of Autumn). Even amid the lingering heat, autumn arrives on the calendar.