Grain in Ear (Mángzhòng)
Awned grains begin to ripen — the busiest time for sowing and harvest.
Grain in Ear (Mángzhòng) — Dates by Year
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6/5 | Wed |
| 2025 | 6/5 | Thu |
| 2026← this year | 6/5 | Fri |
| 2027 | 6/6 | Sun |
| 2028 | 6/5 | Mon |
| 2029 | 6/5 | Tue |
| 2030 | 6/5 | Wed |
Introduction
Grain in Ear (Mángzhòng) is the ninth solar term, falling around June 5–7 when the sun reaches 75°. "Máng zhòng" has two meanings: grains with awns (wheat, barley) begin to ripen; and this is the last chance for sowing — "miss the window and the harvest suffers." This dual urgency of ripening and planting makes it one of the year's busiest agricultural moments.
Climate in Taiwan
Around Mángzhòng, Taiwan's plum rain season nears its end and temperatures climb into full summer heat — 28–35°C island-wide. The typhoon season enters high gear; stay tuned to forecasts. Southern Taiwan transitions into the dry, hot southwest monsoon season while northern Taiwan may see lingering plum rains well into June.
Green Plum Season
Grain in Ear is closely linked with green plum harvest season. Around this time, plums are picked and processed into plum wine, plum vinegar, and salted plums — a major agricultural industry in Taiwan's Nantou County. The rich flavors of Taiwanese plum products are celebrated locally and exported internationally. Sour plum juice (suān méi tāng) becomes a popular summer drink.
Wellness
Grain in Ear's high heat and humidity call for clearing summer heat and protecting the heart. Heavy sweating depletes fluids, so drink plenty of water and consume natural cooling drinks: sour plum juice, mung bean soup, and winter melon tea. Bitter foods like bitter melon help clear heat naturally. Avoid peak sun hours (10am–3pm) for outdoor activities and keep the home well-ventilated.