On February 2nd of the lunar calendar, people welcome the arrival of flora. During Grain in Ear, for it is near May (in lunar calenda), people hold sacrificial ceremonies to bid farewell to the flora and show their gratitude. The flora will go back to heaven and come back to earth next year. Today, this custom is no longer in existence. The liveliness and excitement of the ceremony during Grain in Ear can still be seen in the 27th chapter of A Dream of Red Mansions written by Cao Xueqin.

Source: Weather China

Translated by Chen Yanqiu

Editor: Wen Yi