During Grain in Ear people hold sacrificial ceremonies to bid farewell to the flora and show their gratitude. [Photo/Sipaphoto.com]
In ancient China, on the second day of the second solar month, people welcome the arrival of the Flower Goddess. During Grain in Ear people hold sacrificial ceremonies to bid farewell to the flora and show their gratitude.
在中国古代，人们会在农历二月二日迎接花神的到来。芒种时节人们则会举行祭祀典礼送别花神，表达感激之情。
Today, this custom does not exist in many areas of China. The liveliness and excitement of the ceremony can still be seen in the 27th chapter of the Chinese classic novel A Dream of Red Mansions by Cao Xueqin.
如今，这一习俗在中国的许多地区都已经消失了。不过我们仍然可以在曹雪芹的古典小说《红楼梦》第27章中了解到生动有趣的祭饯花神仪式。
Mud wrestling 打泥巴仗
Two baby elephants play with mud. [Photo/Sipaphoto.com]
Youngsters of the Dong people in southeastern Guizhou province hold mud wrestling matches during Grain in Ear. On this day newlyweds, accompanied by their good friends, plant rice together. While planting, they throw mud at each other. At the end of this activity, whoever has the most mud on them proves they are the most popular person.
贵州东南部的侗族年轻人会在芒种这天打泥巴仗。在这一天，新婚夫妇由好友陪同集体插秧，边插秧边打闹，互扔泥巴。活动结束，身上泥巴最多的，就是最受欢迎的人。
Boil green plums 煮青梅
Green plums contain a variety of natural and high-quality organic acids and are rich in minerals.
In South China, May and June are the season when plums become ripe. There was an allusion that Cao Cao and Liu Bei, two central figures in the Three Kingdoms period (AD220-280), talked about heroes while boiling green plums.
在中国南方，5月和6月是梅子成熟的季节。有一个著名的典故，就是三国时期曹操和刘备“青梅煮酒论英雄”。
Green plums contain a variety of natural and high-quality organic acids and are rich in minerals. They can help clean blood, lower blood lipids, eliminate tiredness and improve one's looks. However, fresh plums are acerbic and need to be boiled before serving.
青梅含有多种天然和优质有机酸，而且富含矿物质，有助于清洁血液，降低血脂，消除疲劳，美容养颜。不过，新鲜的青梅很酸，需要煮一煮再吃。
Have light food 轻食养生
Do not eat greasy or strongly flavored food during Grain in Ear.[Photo/Sipaphoto.com]
Do not eat greasy or strongly flavored food during Grain in Ear, that's the healthcare advice given more than a thousand years ago by Chinese pharmaceutical expert Sun Simiao of the Tang Dynasty (AD618-907).
芒种期间不要吃油腻或重口味的食物，这是中国唐代医药学家孙思邈在一千多年前提出的养生建议。
Generally, vegetables and coarse grains that work in lowering blood pressure and blood fat should be the first choice. During this season, people are encouraged to consume less lamb, pork, hot peppers, onions and ginger if they are frequently feeling thirsty and tired.
通常来说，能够降低血压血脂的蔬菜和糙米应该是芒种期间首选的食物。在芒种时节，如果经常感到口渴乏力，就应少吃羊肉、猪肉、辣椒、洋葱和姜。
Eat fruits and vegetables with cool nature 吃凉性水果蔬菜
