The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Frost鈥檚 descent, the 18th solar term of the year and the last solar term of autumn, begins on Oct 23 this year.

The arrival of frost鈥檚 descent signals a time for agricultural harvest. In southern Jiangsu province, an old saying has been calling for harvest of all crops upon frost鈥檚 descent, whether or not they are ripe.

People in ancient China regarded frost鈥檚 descent a suitable time for military trainings. Archery competitions have been held during frost鈥檚 descent throughout China since the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220).

A saying in China goes: 鈥淔rost-bitten leaves are more crimson than blooms in spring.鈥� Leaves of maples and smoke trees begin to darken after frost鈥檚 descent, offering magnificent views on mountains.

People in ancient China often held ceremonies to express their love and respect for the chrysanthemum flower, which are in full bloom during frost鈥檚 descent.

A folk saying goes: 鈥淚t is better to nourish the body during frost鈥檚 descent than in winter.鈥� Many places in China have the habit of drinking lamb soup as the weather gets colder.

Eating persimmons during frost鈥檚 descent is a folk habit in many parts of China. People believe that eating persimmons can drive away the 鈥渃oldness鈥� in the body.

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