用英语讲中国传统文化 | 二十四节气系列：夏至——一年中白昼最长的日子

Summer Solstice (Xiazhi) – The Longest Day of the Year

The Summer Solstice (夏至), also known as Xiazhi, is the tenth solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar. It usually comes around June 21st every year. On this day, daytime is the longest and nighttime is the shortest. After the Summer Solstice, the days gradually start to get shorter, and summer heat begins to rise.

During this time, temperatures keep going up in most parts of China. Farmers take advantage of the strong sunlight and long days to grow rice, corn, and vegetables. They also watch their fields closely for weeds and make sure crops get plenty of water to stay healthy.

There are many interesting customs for Summer Solstice. In the south, people often eat cold noodles with fresh vegetables to cool off. In parts of northern China, it is popular to eat savory dumplings. Some families also make herbal tea to help refresh the body and protect against the hot weather.

Summer Solstice is a special festival for many. People pay close attention to health and rest, making sure they get enough sleep even as the nights are short. It’s a great time to enjoy the sunshine and the beauty of the growing season.

互动练习

根据短文内容，完成下列句子。每空一词。

1. The Summer Solstice is the ________ solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar.
2. On this day, the ________ is the longest of the year.
3. Farmers use the strong ________ to help their crops grow.
4. People in southern China often eat cold ________ for Summer Solstice.
5. Some families make herbal ________ to help with the hot weather.

Word Bank 词汇集锦

• longest /ˈlɒŋɡɪst/ adj. 最长的
• sunlight /ˈsʌnˌlaɪt/ n. 阳光
• weed /wiːd/ n. 杂草
• noodle /ˈnuːdl/ n. 面条
• dumpling /ˈdʌmplɪŋ/ n. 饺子
• tea /tiː/ n. 茶

夏至，是中国农历中的第十个节气，通常在每年6月21日前后到来。这一天，白天是全年最长的，夜晚则最短。夏至之后，白天会慢慢变短，天气也会变得更加炎热。

在这个时期，全国大部分地区的气温不断升高。农民利用充足的阳光和长时间的白天来种植水稻、玉米和蔬菜，也会仔细除草，并保证作物有足够的水分健康生长。

夏至也有不少有趣的习俗。南方人喜欢吃凉面配新鲜蔬菜来消暑，北方一些地方则有吃饺子的习惯。有些家庭会自制草本茶，用来提神、缓解暑热。

夏至对很多人来说，是一个特别的节日。大家更加重视健康和休息，即使夜晚很短，也要保证充足的睡眠。这是欣赏阳光和农作物生长美景的好时节。

✨答案

1. tenth
2. daytime
3. sunlight
4. noodles
5. tea