End of Heat implies that most parts in China are getting rid of the hot summer and entering autumn. End of Heat (Chinese: 处暑chǔ shǔ), the fourteen solar term, is also the busy harvest season for farmers. The date of End of Heat is August 22nd, 23rd, or 24th each year depending on the movement of the sun. In 2021, End of Heat starts from 23nd of August and ends on 6th of September.
Eating Duck
Duck has a sweet flavor and according to Chinese traditional medicine it has a "cool" nature. There are many recipes for cooking duck such as cooked duck with lemon, smoked duck with walnut dressing and sauteed duck with ginger shoots. Eating duck has the function of warming the body and clearing away heat, and is very suitable for eating at this time.
The Fishing Season Festival
For Chinese fishermen, the End of Heat is a season of harvest. During this period, the Fishing Season Festival is held in regions along the coastline of the East China Sea in Zhejiang province. Due to high temperatures in the sea, stocks of fish remain and become mature. People can enjoy many kinds of seafood during this period.
Releasing Water Lanterns in Rivers
The water lantern, also called a lotus lantern, is made by pasting paper into a lotus shape. A lamp or candle is placed inside. On the night of the festival, the lotus-shaped lanterns are lit and set afloat in rivers and out into seas to symbolically guide the lost souls of forgotten ancestors towards the afterlife.
Days Countdown to Chinese New Year
