xiǎomǎn- Lesser Fullness of Grain

小满（xiǎomǎn）- 8th solar term of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Lesser Fullness of Grain, (Chinese: 小满xiǎomǎn), the 8th solar term of a year, begins on May 20 this year, and ends on June 5. It means that the seeds from the grain are becoming full but are not ripe.

The functions of the solar terms.

In China, the 24 solar terms were created thousands of years ago to guide agricultural production. Today the solar terms are still used as a cultural guide for people through special foods, cultural ceremonies, gardening and even healthy living tips that correspond with each solar term.

A good season for eating fish

During the Lesser Fullness of Grain period, the summer harvest is about to begin. A saying about rain during this time mentions, “A heavy rainfall makes the river full.” Because of the great increase in rainfall, rivers are full of water, which makes fish and shrimp big and fat. This is a good time to eat fish and shrimp.