Grain in Ear: China's 9th solar term (3)

Farming worship

(Photo/Chinanews.com)

This is an agricultural custom in southern Anhui province, which began in the early Ming dynasty. During Grain in Ear, after planting rice, people hold sacrificial activities called Anmiao to pray for a good harvest in autumn. Every family uses new wheat flour to make steamed stuffed buns. They knead the flour into many shapes including animals, fruit and vegetables, and then dye them with vegetable juice. People use these as sacrificial offerings, praying for a good harvest and the safety of villagers.

Mud fights

Young Dong minority men and women in southern Guizhou province hold mud fights before and after Grain in Ear every year. On the first day of Grain in Ear, newlyweds are accompanied by close friends to plant rice together. At the same time, they play with mud and enjoy a mud fight. At the end of the event, the one who gets the most mud on his/her body is seen to be the most popular.