The Tang Xianzu Memorial Hall in Fuzhou is a comprehensive cultural venue built to commemorate Tang Xianzu, one of the world’s hundred great cultural figures and a master of Ming‑dynasty drama in China. It is also one of Jiangxi Province’s ten major memorial halls dedicated to historical luminaries.

The Twenty-Four Solar Terms at the Soup House | Frost’s Descent: The air grows crisp and still, and dew freezes into frost.

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2023-10-24

Frost Descent

Two Ten Four Festival air

Every year, from October 23 to 24, when the Sun reaches a celestial longitude of 210°, we mark the solar term “Frost’s Descent,” the eighteenth of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. As stated in the “Collection of Explanations for the Seventy-Two Hou of the Monthly Ordinances”: “In the middle of the ninth month, the air grows crisp and condenses, and the dew freezes into frost.” At this time, white frost has already appeared across the Yellow River Basin, and over vast fields, silver‑white ice crystals glisten in the sunlight; meanwhile, tree leaves turn yellow, wither, and fall. The ancient text “Interpretation of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms” notes: “As the air grows crisp, frost descends, and yin begins to condense.” Thus, “Frost’s Descent” signifies that the weather is gradually growing colder and that frost is beginning to form.

In meteorology, the first frost of autumn is typically referred to as “early frost” or “first frost,” while the last frost of spring is called “late frost” or “final frost.” The period between the final frost and the first frost is known as the frost-free period. Early frost is sometimes also called “chrysanthemum frost,” because chrysanthemums are in full bloom at that time. On chilly nights, frost—condensed from the cold air—descends quietly like a sprite; by morning, a faint chill hangs on the windows of northern regions, daylight grows ever slower, green grass turns yellow, and frost flowers cling to the panes—everything takes on the unmistakable character of late autumn. After successive waves of cold air bring repeated temperature drops, snowflakes begin to dance across the skies of Northeast China, Northwest China, and high-altitude areas, while farther south, autumn paints its scene with leaves redder than February blossoms.

At the Frost’s Descent, most of northern China has already wrapped up the final stages of the autumn harvest; even cold‑tolerant scallions can no longer grow, for as the saying goes, “If you plant scallions after Frost’s Descent, they’ll only wither and waste away.” Meanwhile, in the south, it is the peak of the “three autumns”: single‑season hybrid rice and late‑season rice are being harvested, early‑planted wheat is sown, and early‑planted rapeseed is transplanted; cotton is picked, cotton stalks are removed, and the fields are plowed and prepared for the next crop.

The Three Stages of Frost Descent

At the first period, jackals offer sacrifices to beasts.

The phrase “chái nǎi jì shòu” first appears in the Yizhou Shu: “On the day of the first frost, the jackals offer sacrifices to the beasts.” This means that during this solar term, jackals begin to hunt and offer their prey as a sacrifice to Heaven.

The second hou: grass and trees turn yellow and shed their leaves.

As autumn draws to a close, all the grasses wither, and frost descends as butterflies flutter in flight. In autumn, the west wind sweeps through, and the leaves turn yellow and fall.

The third hou: all hibernating insects lie still.

All the hibernating insects remain motionless and fasting in their burrows, their heads drooping as they slip into a state of winter dormancy. At this time, nature exudes a quiet beauty: bees and butterflies have vanished, and the hibernating creatures lie silent, all preparing to endure the long winter ahead.

Frost Descent Customs

The myriad delightful customs associated with the Frost’s Descent reflect people’s heartfelt aspiration for physical well-being, while also lending a distinctive hue to China’s rich tapestry of folk traditions.

Chrysanthemum Appreciation

Ancient texts speak of “chrysanthemums blooming after the frost,” and around the time of the Frost Descent, chrysanthemums are in full bloom. Over the centuries, the tradition of admiring chrysanthemums and sipping wine—cultivated by China’s ancestors—has become an elegant custom associated with this seasonal festival. The ancients regarded the chrysanthemum as a “guest that prolongs life,” an “immortal herb,” and a “plant that waits for the right moment,” making it a symbol of vitality. As the Frost Descent arrives, autumn chrysanthemums reach their peak; in many parts of China, people hold chrysanthemum festivals at this time, enjoying the flowers and sharing wine to express their deep affection for them.

Climbing high

During the Frost’s Descent season, there is a custom of climbing high to gaze into the distance. This practice is especially cherished by the elderly and by scholars and literati, who regard it as an elegant pastime—ascending to lofty heights to take in the sweeping vistas and engage in lively, far‑reaching conversation. Climbing high not only helps to clear and invigorate the lungs, but reaching the summit and looking out over the horizon also refreshes the spirit and soothes the mind. With the sky vast and the clouds light, and the maple leaves ablaze in autumn hues, such a climb offers both physical exercise and a feast for the eyes.

Pulling up a radish

There’s a farmer’s saying: “By the time of Chushu, plant sorghum; by Bailu, sow millet; and when Shuangjiang arrives, it’s time to pull up the radishes.” After the Frost Descent, the temperature difference between morning and evening becomes significant; if field-grown radishes aren’t harvested promptly, they may develop frost damage, compromising both their quality and yield. White radish is a nutritious, affordable vegetable often referred to in folk tradition as “earth ginseng,” and there’s a popular saying: “Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer—no need for a doctor’s prescription.”

Eat persimmons

During the Frost’s Descent season, as the weather turns colder, persimmons reach peak ripeness. People believe that eating persimmons not only helps ward off the cold and keep warm but also strengthens the muscles and bones, making them an ideal choice for this time of year.

Cold Clothes Festival

On the first day of the tenth lunar month, during the Frost’s Descent season, falls the “Cold‑Clothing Festival,” also known as the “Tenth‑Month Ancestor‑Worship Day” or the “Ancestor‑Ritual Festival.” This festival is a time when people express their remembrance and compassion for those who have passed, and it is also the occasion when loved ones send warm clothing to those they hold dear.

Health Preservation During the Frost Descent Season

Daily Living: Dress warmly, and don’t linger in bed in the morning.

As the old saying goes, “Frost’s Descent doesn’t bring cold; by the time Cold Dew arrives, the weather has already turned.” During this period, the temperature difference between day and night grows significantly. People should dress in layers, paying special attention to keeping their feet and stomach warm. At the same time, they should increase physical activity, prepare adequately for the cold, and take precautions against catching a cold. Soaking your feet in warm water every night helps dispel cold, warm the meridians, and promote blood circulation in the feet.

Diet: Nourishing yourself in winter isn’t as good as nourishing yourself at the Frost’s Descent.

There is a popular saying: “It’s better to nourish yourself at the Frost’s Descent than at the Double Ninth Festival.” As the Frost’s Descent arrives, the weather grows increasingly cold, and traditional folk culinary customs become especially distinctive. People believe that one should first “nourish oneself for the Double Ninth” and then “nourish oneself for the Frost’s Descent,” with autumn tonification considered even more important than winter tonification. Accordingly, during this season, local traditions include dishes such as slow-cooked mutton, braised sheep’s head, “welcoming frost” rabbit meat, eating duck on the Frost’s Descent, and enjoying persimmons at this time. The dietary principle for the Frost’s Descent is to nourish yin and moisten the lungs; to guard against autumn dryness, a “moderately tonifying” approach is most suitable. Appropriate foods include pears, apples, radishes, chestnuts, lilies, honey, beef, lamb, and chicken—each of which helps generate fluids to relieve dryness, clear heat and transform phlegm, stop coughs and ease asthma, and fortify the kidneys while tonifying the lungs.

Exercise: Pay attention to the proper balance between activity and rest.

Frost’s Descent typically falls in the ninth lunar month, when the autumn air is crisp and clear. At this time, you can moderately increase your physical activity by engaging in pursuits such as hiking or playing soccer. Alternatively, you might choose activities like radio gymnastics, aerobics, Tai Chi, Tai Chi sword forms, or various ball sports.

Emotional well-being: Maintain a positive mindset.

After the Frost’s Descent, flowers and trees wither, marking the onset of late autumn. As the weather grows steadily cooler, it can evoke a sense of melancholy and the approaching end of life, often stirring feelings of sadness and irritability. Therefore, maintaining a positive mindset and cultivating an optimistic, open‑hearted spirit are essential components of health preservation and well‑being.

Poems on the Frost’s Descent

Frost’s Descent is the last solar term of autumn; as the weather grows colder, the first frost heralds the approaching winter. In his poem “Frost Moon,” Lu You wrote, “Withered grass and frost flowers gleam white, while the moon casts a fresh shadow upon the chilly window,” capturing his vivid depiction of this season.

“Rather Cold in the Four Days Before Frost’s Descent”

Song Dynasty, Lu You

The grass and trees first turn yellow and fall, while the winds and clouds repeatedly close and part.

With the children having finished hoeing the wheat, the neighbors return in a festival procession.

The eagle strikes, heralding the approaching frost; the stork’s cry foretells the coming rain.

Do not lament the rise and fall of emperors; even ashes may yet be rekindled.

“Ode to the Twenty-Four Solar Terms: Frost’s Descent, Mid-September”

Tang Yuanzhen

The wind sweeps away the clear clouds, leaving a sky of frost stretching for ten thousand miles.

The wild jackal first offers a sacrifice to the moon, while the immortal chrysanthemum meets the Double Ninth Festival.

The autumn hues mourn the sparse trees, and the wild geese’s cries evoke my hometown.

Who would have thought that a single cup of wine could bring about the ruin of a hundred autumns?

“Nanxiangzi: On the Double Ninth Festival, Presented to Lord Xu Junyou at Hanhui Tower”

Song Dynasty, Su Shi

Frost and rain have left the traces of water receding. Shallow azure, like scales, reveals the distant islet.

The wine’s strength fades, the breeze grows gentle—whistling softly. That tattered hat, so full of sentiment, still clings to my head.

If the festive season is to be celebrated, let us simply see autumn off with a cup of clear wine.

In the end, all things are but dreams—let it be. Even the butterfly grieves at the sight of tomorrow’s yellow chrysanthemums.

“Autumn Evening Ascending the Tower, Gazing at the Nan River on the Road to Shixing County”

Tang, Zhang Jiuling

The floodwaters recede, and the sands emerge; with frost’s descent, the heavens gleam crystal‑clear.

Leaning on the railing, I gaze into the distance; along the riverbank, my heart is filled with far-reaching thoughts.

Thinking of the rivers and mountains beyond, I gaze until the mist and clouds arise.

The torrent flows on without self‑discernment; what, then, is the point of such ceaseless toil?

I come with my hair streaked with gray; who would say that my ornate cap has been swept away?

The wild horse suffers in its cramped pen, while the caged bird longs for distant journeys.

The year’s shadow turns toward evening, and day by day I linger, restless before the empty screen.

Things are precious because they accord with one’s nature; the body is burdened by the pursuit of fame.

Looking inward, I feel that the present is right; yet I long in vain for the day when peace shall reign.

“Ascending Li Mingfu’s North Tower on the Ninth Day”

Tang Dynasty, Liu Changqing

On the ninth day, I climb high and gaze afar; the verdant trees in the distance seem low.

Amidst the human settlements, lakes, and grasses, the verdant mountains lie to the west of the county tower.

At the frost’s descent, the wild geese’s cries grow sharp; as autumn deepens, the traveler’s thoughts grow lost.

No need for wine from the common folk; Tao Qian himself goes forth in companionship.

“Sending Li Zhu on a Journey Beyond the River”

Tang Dynasty, Cen Shen

We’ve known each other for ten years, yet I’ve seen you in only one official capacity.

Though my home is poor and my salary meager, even at the frost’s descent my clothes remain thin.

Melancholy as the autumn grasses wither, desolate at the year’s waning.

And I seek the road to Cangzhou, pointing from afar toward the clouds over Wu.

A lone horse, the frontier passes far away; a solitary boat, the rivers and seas vast and wide.

At night, the mist over Chu is damp; at dawn, the meal by the lakes and mountains is cold.

The chopping board is clean, red carp fall; the sleeves are fragrant with clusters of crimson oranges.

Before the sail, I glimpse the Temple of Yu; beneath my pillow, I hear the murmurs of Yan Tan.

Then one finds delight and pleasure—how could one still lament the hardships of the journey?

At Qingmen, we must drink to part; for a while, let us unfasten our saddlebags.

"Year's End"

Tang Dynasty, Bai Juyi

Frost and rain return to the ravines, while the wind drives the leaves back to the mountains.

As the year gently draws to a close, all things return to their original source.

Why have these southern migrants, after five years, still not returned?

Fate’s decree is already set; the longer time passes, the more at peace my heart grows.

I have also, with heart and mouth, quietly recited to myself.

Leaving one’s country is hardly a joy, and returning home does not necessarily bring happiness.

Why endure self-inflicted suffering, when one can abandon the easy in pursuit of the difficult?

This illustrated article is excerpted from “Poems and Calligraphy of China’s Twenty-Four Solar Terms,” Ancient Poetry and Prose Network, the China Meteorological Administration website, and Baidu.

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