立夏 Lìxià
Start of Summer
In 2026: 5 May 2026 to 21 May 2026 (Beijing time)
Summer is “established”. Growth speeds up, and the heat begins to build.
- Sun’s longitude
- 45°
- Month (earthly branch)
- 巳month
- Season
- Summer
- Five Phase
- 火Fire
The three pentads
Each term is divided into three five-day pentads, named for what the ancients saw happen in nature.
- First pentad蝼蝈鸣Mole crickets sing
- Second pentad蚯蚓出Earthworms come up
- Third pentad王瓜生Snake gourds sprout
Wudang yangsheng for this term
- Breath
- Tradition gives summer to the heart: sit quietly and lengthen the out-breath to settle the mind.
- Warm tea and diet
- Light meals with a few slightly bitter greens; green or white tea.
- Sleep and daily rhythm
- Rise early and rest briefly at midday; practise in the cool of the morning.
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 巳 month it is 乾, The Creative.
Seeker’s Q&A
What does “do not fell large trees” mean for me?
Do not cut down in summer what took years to grow: a long friendship, a steady practice, your sleep. Prune if you must, but do not uproot.
Which organ does tradition link with summer?
The heart, with the fire phase. Classical advice is to keep the mind calm and cheerful and avoid fits of temper in the heat. This is traditional guidance, not medical advice.
Is there a custom for this day?
In parts of southern China children are weighed on Start of Summer and given eggs, so that they grow well through the hot months.
Should I train harder now?
Train earlier in the day, drink regularly and keep sessions moderate. Growth in summer comes from consistency, not from pushing through the heat.
One-minute practice
Stand tall and imagine a thread lifting the crown of your head while your feet stay rooted. Breathe slowly for one minute, growing taller on each in-breath without lifting your heels.