Lesser Fullness of Grain (Chinese: 小满), the 8th solar term of the year, began this year on May 21 and ended on June 6. It begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 60°. Lesser Fullness of Grain marks the beginning of the period when the summer crops of grain begin to grow. As Lesser Fullness of Grain comes, the season of hot and humid days commences. Precipitation increases as both northern and southern China enter the summer season. During Lesser Fullness of Grain, everything flourishes, and the human body's physiological activities are at their most active. One should pay attention to proper nutrition and keep diets light and healthy so as to ensure the heat and humid weather do not wear the body down. [Photo by Wang Jin/Palace Museum]