Liqiu (立秋) — Beginning of Autumn

Liqiu occurs at celestial longitude 135°, around August 7-9. The astronomical start of autumn in the traditional almanac. Metal element strengthens; yin energy begins to take over.

Tradition: "biting autumn" (咬秋) — eating watermelon to ward off lingering summer heat; weighing oneself to compare with summer. Climate: heat continues but mornings/evenings cool noticeably; "autumn tiger" (秋老虎) heat waves are common.