The leisurely life of ancient Chinese women was colorful and diverse, filled with various recreational activities according to the seasons and weather, and life was abundant with emotions and poetry. However, not everyone had the means or the leisure to pursue these refined pleasures; most were affluent young ladies, or at least enjoyed a comfortable life without worrying about daily necessities.
1. Spring in January: Walking Through Snow to Find Plum Blossoms
In the lunar January, there are two solar terms: Lichun (Beginning of Spring) and Shuiyu (Wet Rain). At this time, the harsh winter has not yet ended, the ice and snow remain, and the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year is still ongoing, with families immersed in joy and reunion. Young women walk on the white snow, admiring the blooming plum blossoms in the spring sky.
2. Spring in February: Lantern Viewing and Solving Riddles
The second month of spring includes two solar terms: Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects) and Chunfen (Spring Equinox). This month usually brings light rain, and ancient Chinese women would seek fallen plum blossoms at night, enjoying lanterns and guessing riddles.
In ancient texts, Grandma Sun and Sister Su solved riddles together. Grandma Sun said: “Let me pose a riddle for you: There is a road in Wu, but none in Yao and Shun; there are the Shang and Zhou dynasties, but none in Tang and Wu.”
Sister Su replied: “Now it’s my turn; see if I’m correct: jumping is present, but walking is not; tall exists, but short does not; wisdom is there, but ignorance is absent.”
Sister Su continued: “On the right is present, but on the left is not; cool days are here, but hot days are absent.”
Grandma Sun added: “There are people crying but no one laughing; there are people alive but no one dead.”
Sister Su responded: “There are mute people, but no pockmarked faces; there are monks, but no Taoists.”
They both laughed.
These riddles from literary figures compare their intelligence, knowledge, and improvisational skills while pursuing spiritual enjoyment!
3. Spring in March: Playing Chess in the Pavilion and the Spring Festival
The solar terms of March are Qingming (Clear and Bright) and Gu Yu (Grain Rain), with temperatures gradually rising and more rain. Women play musical instruments, chess, practice calligraphy, and paint; a game of chess under the sunny spring weather in March brings calmness and self-cultivation.
Young women particularly enjoy going out to celebrate spring, whether riding horses or walking, filled with youthful vigor, as everything revives, flowers bloom, and spirits soar!
4. Summer in April: Swinging in the Garden, Fragrant Flower Pavilions
In lunar April, the solar terms are Lixia (Beginning of Summer) and Xiaoman (Small Fullness). In summer, life flourishes, and girls don beautiful clothes to go out, some swinging in gardens, some enjoying the flowers. At this time, young women in various attires compete in beauty and talent.
5. Summer in May: Watching Fish by the Pavilion, Rustling Bamboo Forest
In lunar May, the solar terms are Mangzhong (Grain in Ear) and Xiazhi (Summer Solstice), marking two of the hottest periods.
As summer approaches its end, the heat continues, and the night is perfect for enjoying the cool breeze. Young women visit lakes to watch fish swim gracefully, with the moon casting reflections on the shimmering water. The bamboo forest beside the lake sways gently with the breeze, providing a respite after a scorching day.
6. Summer in June: Picking Lotus in the Pond, Rowing on the Lake
In lunar June, the solar terms are Xiaoshu (Slight Heat) and Dashu (Great Heat). As summer progresses, the autumn breeze begins to blow, and the lotus blooms abundantly in the lakes, where girls row boats to pick lotus and bring them home to arrange in vases.
7. Autumn in July: Sewing with Skill, Picking Cinnamon Branches for Beauties
In lunar July, there are two solar terms: Lichu (Beginning of Autumn) and Chushu (End of Summer Rains). In autumn, the aroma of cinnamon becomes more intense, and young women will bring cinnamon branches to their beloved!
The festival of Qixi, also known as the Double Seventh Festival, sees girls showcasing their embroidery skills as they celebrate this annual festival together.
8. Autumn in August: Moon Gazing from the Pavilion
In lunar August, the solar terms are Bailu (White Dew) and Chuzhong (Autumn Equinox). The night sky in late autumn is the brightest and most suitable for moon gazing. Thousands of miles share its beautiful view, expressing feelings of longing.
9. Autumn in September: Enjoying Chrysanthemums
In lunar September, the two solar terms are Hanlu (Cold Dew) and Xiangshuang (Frost Falls). As the end of autumn approaches and winter begins, the cold dew starts to blanket the ground, and chrysanthemums bloom beautifully during this time.
10. Winter in October: Embroidering Under the Pavilion
In lunar October, there are two solar terms: Lidong (Beginning of Winter) and Xiaoxue (Slight Snow). The weather turns chilly, and girls stay home to embroider and sew, creating tokens of affection for their secret admirers.
11. Winter in November: Gathering Around the Charcoal Fire
In lunar November, the two solar terms are Daxue (Heavy Snow) and Dongzhi (Winter Solstice). At the year’s end, everything retreats under the bone-chilling snow, and young women sit around the warm fire, reminiscing about past and present, sharing their innermost thoughts.
12. Winter in December: Writing Poetry in the Snow, Sipping Tea and Enjoying the Snow, Reciting Poems for Fun
In lunar December, there are two solar terms: Xiaohan (Slight Cold) and Dahan (Severe Cold). Wealthy young ladies and families of scholars gather to recite poetry and enjoy tea by the fire, occasionally sipping warm tea, cheeks flushed with charm and shyness, lost in happiness!
