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Xiaoman (小滿) — Lesser Fullness
Around May 20-22; grains begin to fill but are not yet ripe; "lesser" because fullness is partial.
Xiaoman occurs at celestial longitude 60°, around May 20-22. Grains begin to fill out but have not yet reached full maturity — hence "lesser" fullness. Northern wheat begins entering its golden phase.
Tradition: silkworm worship (蚕神节) in silk-producing regions; eating bitter vegetables (苦菜) for health. Climate: rising humidity; thunderstorms common in southern China.