Today is xiaoman, the Grain Buds. It is the 8th of the total 24 solar terms evenly distributed in the 4 seasons of a year, and the second one of summer. It means that the grain seeds are becoming full but are not ripe.
今天是小滿，二十四節氣中的第八個節氣，入夏的第二個節氣。 小滿意指穀物開始飽滿，但是還未成熟。
The wheat shoots is waiting for the wind to turn them from green to golden sea. The silkworms eat on and on. Soon, they will move into white little houses. During the Grain Buds, crops are getting full, at the dawn of harvest.
抽齊的麥穗待著暖風來，不久就會從青綠轉為金黃；嬌憨的蠶寶寶吃個不停，不久就要住進“白房子”，小滿時節萬物“小得盈滿”，意味著收穫來臨。
In this solar term symbolic of harvest and success, XiaoTian hereby present a delicious dish of its customs regarding food, games and other funny customs. with the hope for your harvest in learning, work, and life.
在這個寓意收穫與成功的節氣裡，小天為大家盤點了一些好吃的、好玩的和有趣的習俗分享給大家，祝大家學習、工作、生活都收穫滿滿。
A good season for enjoying fish
魚蝦正肥美
As the famous saying goes “Overflowing rivers in Grain Buds”. Thus the inhabitants of rivers, fish and shrimps, are growing fat, making Grain Buds a great period to enjoy fish and shrimps, which brings a great harvest for fishermen.
古語道“小滿江河滿”。由於降雨量激增，河流都被灌滿了水，使得魚蝦又大又肥。因此，小滿是吃魚蝦的好時節，也是漁民們豐收的季節。
Haven for Enjoying Mulberries
桑葚紅人手
A Chinese folk proverb says “Mulberries become black during the Grain Buds period.” The mulberry, harvested between April and June and known for its juicy and sweet taste, is also something to enjoy during this season.
中國農民們有句諺語“小滿桑葚紅手”。四月到六月間成熟的桑葚，味甜多汁，一定要在當季嚐鮮。
Right for herb of
common sow thistle
吃苦菜
Sow thistle thrives during the Grain Buds. According to the traditional Chinese medical theory, sow thistle can calm the nerves and defy aging.
苦菜為小滿時蔬。根據中醫說法，苦菜可舒緩神經，對抗衰老。
Celebrating silkworm
deity birthday
祭蠶神
During the Grain Buds period, silkworms have cocooned. People begin to cook cocoons and prepare the spinning wheel for reeling silk. They will pray for the silkworm deity to bless the prosperity of silk business.
小滿時節，桑蠶已經結成了繭，人們開始煮繭繅絲。人們會祈求蠶神保佑絲綢生意繁榮發展。
Tips on health
健康小貼士
It is also important to exercise to keep healthy during the hot summer days. Walking, jogging and tai chi are all wonderful options.
在炎熱的夏天鍛鍊是保持健康的重要方法。散步、慢跑和練太極都是不錯的選擇。
Word Bank
小詞庫
Grain Buds n.小滿
wheat n.小麥
fishermen n.漁民（fisherman的複數形式）
sow thistle n.苦菜
nerves n.神經（nerve的複數形式）
harvest v.收穫
mulberries n.桑葚（mulberry的複數形式）
celebrate v.慶祝;祭祀
cocoon v.把……緊緊包住; n. 繭
silkworm n.蠶
pray v.祈求
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