The 24 Breaths of the year
The Chinese tradition divides the solar year into twenty-four breaths (节气 jiéqì) of about fifteen days, each tied to a Phase. An age-old way of tuning daily life — and one’s herbs — to the rhythm of the sky.
-
Minor Cold Xiǎohán
The cold settles in for good; the tradition speaks of keeping one’s reserves and of the register of the depths.
At the heart of winter, the tradition warms and lays by: warm natures, in the register of Yang — while moderating the salty (省咸增苦).
The selection for this breath -
Major Cold Dàhán
The coldest point of the year — the hearth is kept, and the return of spring is quietly made ready.
At the heart of winter, the tradition warms and lays by: warm natures, in the register of Yang — while moderating the salty (省咸增苦).
The selection for this breath -
Beginning of Spring Lìchūn
Yang sets itself moving again beneath the surface; the year’s first impulse, as the tradition has it.
Coming out of the cold, the tradition sets warm or neutral natures on the table, and the sweet flavour — while moderating the sour (省酸增甘).
The selection for this breath -
Rain Water Yǔshuǐ
Rain takes the place of snow; the sap begins to rise, everything softens.
Coming out of the cold, the tradition sets warm or neutral natures on the table, and the sweet flavour — while moderating the sour (省酸增甘).
The selection for this breath -
Waking of Insects Jīngzhé
Thunder wakes what lay sleeping; the impulse of Wood makes itself felt in bodies as in fields.
Coming out of the cold, the tradition sets warm or neutral natures on the table, and the sweet flavour — while moderating the sour (省酸增甘).
The selection for this breath -
Spring Equinox Chūnfēn
Day and night come level; the tradition reads it as the moment to bring the impulse into accord without forcing it.
Coming out of the cold, the tradition sets warm or neutral natures on the table, and the sweet flavour — while moderating the sour (省酸增甘).
The selection for this breath -
Pure Brightness Qīngmíng
The air is clear, the light sharp; a time of lightness and of setting things in order.
Coming out of the cold, the tradition sets warm or neutral natures on the table, and the sweet flavour — while moderating the sour (省酸增甘).
The selection for this breath -
Grain Rain Gǔyǔ
The last rains of spring, which bring on the seedlings; Wood reaches its fullness.
Coming out of the cold, the tradition sets warm or neutral natures on the table, and the sweet flavour — while moderating the sour (省酸增甘).
The selection for this breath -
Beginning of Summer Lìxià
Fire takes over: visible growth, lengthening days, hearts lifted.
In the full heat, the tradition tempers: cool or neutral natures, sour and bitter flavours in touches — the register of the summer table.
The selection for this breath -
Minor Fullness Xiǎomǎn
The grains fill without being ripe; the tradition prizes this almost-full, a promise without excess.
In the full heat, the tradition tempers: cool or neutral natures, sour and bitter flavours in touches — the register of the summer table.
The selection for this breath -
Grain in Ear Mángzhòng
Sowing and harvest cross; a spell of intense activity in which care is taken not to wear oneself out.
In the full heat, the tradition tempers: cool or neutral natures, sour and bitter flavours in touches — the register of the summer table.
The selection for this breath -
Summer Solstice Xiàzhì
Yang reaches its height — and Yin is born at the very heart of that summit, the tradition recalls.
In the full heat, the tradition tempers: cool or neutral natures, sour and bitter flavours in touches — the register of the summer table.
The selection for this breath -
Minor Heat Xiǎoshǔ
The heat asserts itself without reaching its peak; the plate is lightened and gentle coolness is sought.
In the full heat, the tradition tempers: cool or neutral natures, sour and bitter flavours in touches — the register of the summer table.
The selection for this breath -
Major Heat Dàshǔ
The peak of the heat, often damp — the tradition opens here the “long end of summer”, season of the Earth.
The long end of summer, moist: the tradition goes to the sweet and bland flavours — while moderating heavy sweetness (淡渗利湿).
The selection for this breath -
Beginning of Autumn Lìqiū
Autumn announces itself in the air while Earth goes on ripening the fruit.
The long end of summer, moist: the tradition goes to the sweet and bland flavours — while moderating heavy sweetness (淡渗利湿).
The selection for this breath -
End of Heat ChǔshǔRight now
The great heats withdraw; a time of anchoring and of transformation before the harvest.
The long end of summer, moist: the tradition goes to the sweet and bland flavours — while moderating heavy sweetness (淡渗利湿).
The selection for this breath -
White Dew Báilù
The first dews whiten the dawn; Metal brings clarity and a dry coolness.
Against the dryness of autumn: the tradition goes to the sour and the sweet; natures neutral to warm — while moderating the pungent (省辛增酸).
The selection for this breath -
Autumn Equinox Qiūfēn
Day and night come level once more; the tradition calls for gathering in and for sorting.
Against the dryness of autumn: the tradition goes to the sour and the sweet; natures neutral to warm — while moderating the pungent (省辛增酸).
The selection for this breath -
Cold Dew Hánlù
The dew turns cold; one draws in and covers up, says the tradition.
Against the dryness of autumn: the tradition goes to the sour and the sweet; natures neutral to warm — while moderating the pungent (省辛增酸).
The selection for this breath -
Frost’s Descent Shuāngjiàng
First frosts; Metal completes its work of stripping bare before winter.
Against the dryness of autumn: the tradition goes to the sour and the sweet; natures neutral to warm — while moderating the pungent (省辛增酸).
The selection for this breath -
Beginning of Winter Lìdōng
Water takes the watch: one goes indoors, slows down, and begins to lay energy by.
At the heart of winter, the tradition warms and lays by: warm natures, in the register of Yang — while moderating the salty (省咸增苦).
The selection for this breath -
Minor Snow Xiǎoxuě
The first snows barely hold; the inward withdrawal deepens.
At the heart of winter, the tradition warms and lays by: warm natures, in the register of Yang — while moderating the salty (省咸增苦).
The selection for this breath -
Major Snow Dàxuě
The snow settles in; the tradition favours the warmth of the hearth and deep foods.
At the heart of winter, the tradition warms and lays by: warm natures, in the register of Yang — while moderating the salty (省咸增苦).
The selection for this breath -
Winter Solstice Dōngzhì
The longest night — and the rebirth of Yang at its heart: the feast of the light’s return.
At the heart of winter, the tradition warms and lays by: warm natures, in the register of Yang — while moderating the salty (省咸增苦).
The selection for this breath
The dates are the average dates of the solar calendar (give or take a day depending on the year).
Chinese tradition
Find your season of the moment
A few questions, a reading of your season of the moment in the classical register, and a selection to match.