The solar/seasonal periods of the Chinese Calendar help mark seasonal shifts historically. They consist of 24 periods total: 12 major (sectional) and 12 minor (middle) periods to distinguish the segments. Each period divides the movement of the sun and are around half of each month. They can roughly compare to the Western zodiac! In general, these sections of the year describe the variation of climate, seasons, and phenomology of nature. With these distinctions, we can prepare home remedies, foods, life style choices, and emotional + energetic alignments to best support our health.
The first two major solar terms were established 日南至 ri nan zhi marking the sun at the most southern location and日北至 ri bei zhi marking the sun at the most northern location, by the Spring and Autumn Period in China (770–476 BCE).
By the end of the Warring States Period (475–221 BCE), eight key solar terms were established: (Start of Spring, Vernal Equinox, Start of Summer, Summer Solstice, Start of Autumn, Autumnal Equinox, Start of Winter and Winter Solstice). The remaining solar terms to make up 24 ‘seasons’ in one calendar year were initiated in the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–24 CE).
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