用英语讲中国传统文化｜二十四节气系列：霜降——迎接深秋的初霜

Frost’s Descent (Shuangjiang) – Embracing the First Frost of Late Autumn

Frost’s Descent (霜降), or Shuangjiang, is the eighteenth solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar. It usually arrives in late October, marking the approach of winter. At this time, early frost begins to appear on rooftops and leaves in the morning when the air is especially chilly.

As Shuangjiang arrives, the countryside changes noticeably. The fields and trees take on bright yellow, orange, and red colors. Many farmers finish gathering their last crops such as sweet potatoes and cabbage. This is also when some wild fruits like hawthorn berries and jujubes are picked and enjoyed as autumn snacks.

During Shuangjiang, families focus on staying warm and healthy. People start to wear thicker coats and eat seasonal foods like steamed pumpkin and pears. In the north, drinking hot porridge in the morning is common, as it helps warm the stomach and gives energy for the day. In some regions, people make chrysanthemum tea, believing it can clear the mind and prevent colds.

Children love to look for the delicate white frost on grass or windowpanes before school. The days are shorter, reminding everyone to spend cozy evenings at home with family and to take care as the weather grows colder.

互动练习

根据短文内容，完成下列句子。每空一词。

1. Frost’s Descent is the ________ solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar.
2. In the morning, ________ can be seen on rooftops and leaves.
3. Farmers finish picking the last ________ such as sweet potatoes and cabbage.
4. Drinking hot ________ is a common breakfast habit in the north.
5. Some people prepare and drink ________ tea during Shuangjiang.

Word Bank 词汇集锦

• frost /frɒst/ n. 霜
• coat /koʊt/ n. 外套
• porridge /ˈpɒrɪdʒ/ n. 粥
• field /fiːld/ n. 田野
• crop /krɒp/ n. 农作物
• hawthorn /ˈhɔːθɔːrn/ n. 山楂
• chrysanthemum /krɪˈsænθəməm/ n. 菊花
• snack /snæk/ n. 小吃，零食

霜降是中国农历中的第十八个节气，通常在十月下旬到来，标志着冬季临近。这时早晨空气格外寒冷，屋顶和树叶上会出现第一层薄霜。

霜降期间，乡村的景色发生明显变化，田野和树木变成明亮的黄色、橙色和红色。农民们抓紧时间收获最后的农作物，比如红薯和白菜。这个时候，山楂、枣等野果也被采摘下来作为秋日零食。

在霜降，家家都开始注重保暖和健康。人们会穿上厚外套，吃蒸南瓜或煮梨等时令食物。北方早上流行喝热粥暖胃，有助保持一天的能量。一些地方还会泡菊花茶，认为有清心、预防感冒的作用。

孩子们喜欢在上学前找露在草地或玻璃窗上的白霜。白天变短，大家更愿意和家人在家中一起度过温暖的夜晚，也提醒大家在天气转冷时注意健康。

✨答案

1. eighteenth
2. frost
3. crops
4. porridge
5. chrysanthemum