寒露 Hánlù
Cold Dew
In 2026: 8 October 2026 to 23 October 2026 (Beijing time)
“Cold dew”: the dew now feels cold, and it will soon turn to frost. The chrysanthemum season.
- Sun’s longitude
- 195°
- Month (earthly branch)
- 戌month
- Season
- Autumn
- Five Phase
- 金Metal
The three pentads
Each term is divided into three five-day pentads, named for what the ancients saw happen in nature.
- First pentad鸿雁来宾The last wild geese arrive as guests
- Second pentad雀入大水为蛤Sparrows enter the sea and become clams (an old belief)
- Third pentad菊有黄华Chrysanthemums bloom yellow
Wudang yangsheng for this term
- Breath
- Breathe in through the nose only, so cool air is warmed before it reaches the lungs.
- Warm tea and diet
- Warm and moist: pears cooked rather than raw, nuts, a roasted oolong.
- Sleep and daily rhythm
- Keep the feet covered and soak them in warm water before bed.
Traditional guidance, not medical advice. The terms follow the seasons of central China.
In the Book of Changes
Each month has a sovereign hexagram (消息卦) that shows how far yin or yang has grown. For the 戌 month it is 剥, Splitting Apart.