用英语讲中国传统文化 | 二十四节气系列：大暑——一年中最热的时节

Great Heat (Dashu) – The Hottest Days of the Year

Great Heat (大暑) is the twelfth solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar, usually starting around July 23rd. This is the hottest period of the year in most parts of China, with scorching temperatures and plenty of strong sunlight. Many regions also see heavy rainfall, and sometimes typhoons appear.

For farmers, Great Heat is a busy time. Rice and other crops mature quickly under the hot sun. However, the intense weather means they must protect plants from drought and watch out for pests and plant diseases. Keeping the fields well-irrigated is very important.

People across China have special ways to stay cool and healthy. In the south, it’s popular to eat cold noodles or drink herbal teas. Eating watermelon is also common, as it’s delicious and refreshing on hot summer days. In some places, people hang special herbs at home to drive away insects and freshen the air.

Great Heat reminds us to take care of our health during the hottest days—drinking plenty of water, avoiding the midday sun, and getting rest when possible. It’s also a time to celebrate nature’s abundance and hope for a rich harvest.

互动练习

根据短文内容，完成下列句子。每空一词。

1. Great Heat is the ________ solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar.
2. Many places experience the year’s highest __________ and strong sunlight.
3. Farmers must watch out for pests, diseases, and __________ during Great Heat.
4. In the south, people like to eat cold noodles and __________ during this solar term.
5. Eating __________ is a favorite way to cool down in the hot weather.

Word Bank 词汇集锦

• temperature /ˈtemprətʃər/ n. 气温
• sunlight /ˈsʌnlaɪt/ n. 阳光
• rainfall /ˈreɪnfɔːl/ n. 降雨
• drought /draʊt/ n. 干旱
• irrigate /ˈɪrɪɡeɪt/ v. 灌溉
• noodle /ˈnuːdl/ n. 面条
• watermelon /ˈwɔːtərmelən/ n. 西瓜

大暑是中国农历中的第十二个节气，通常在每年7月23日前后到来。这是一年中最炎热的时候，大部分地区会有高温和强烈的阳光，许多地方还会迎来强降雨，有时甚至会有台风。

对农民来说，大暑是十分忙碌的季节。水稻和其他作物在烈日下迅速成熟，但这种极端天气也要求农民防止干旱，同时警惕病虫害。此时，田地的灌溉尤为重要。

全国各地的人们都有消暑和养生的方法。在南方，人们爱吃凉面、喝凉茶；吃西瓜也很普遍，因为既美味又消暑。有些地方还会在家中悬挂草本植物驱虫净化空气。

大暑提醒我们在高温天气中注意健康，多喝水、尽量避开正午强光，并适当休息。它也是人们感受大自然恩赐、期待丰收的时光。

✨答案

1. twelfth
2. temperatures
3. drought
4. herbal teas
5. watermelon