← Glossary
Mangzhong (芒種) — Grain in Ear
Around June 5-7; busiest farming time; awned crops mature, summer rice planting begins.
Mangzhong occurs at celestial longitude 75°, around June 5-7. The most labor-intensive farming season — wheat with full beards (芒) is harvested while summer rice (種) is planted. Hence the dual character "芒種" — "awn-and-seed."
Tradition: 送花神 (sending off the flower spirit, marking spring's end), zongzi-making for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival. Climate: hot and humid; plum rains in central-eastern China.