As the summer heat fades away quietly, White Dew, the 15th solar term of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, arrives to mark the official coming of cool autumn. It usually falls around September 7th to 9th every year. This poetic solar term perfectly captures the subtle changes of nature in early autumn, bringing a peaceful and refreshing vibe to the world.
Natural Phenomenon
The name “White Dew” comes from the most typical natural phenomenon of this season. As night temperatures drop significantly, the water vapor in the air condenses into tiny white dewdrops on grass leaves, flowers and branches. Under the soft morning sunlight, these dewdrops glisten like tiny pearls, pure and delicate. Unlike the heavy humidity of summer, the air during White Dew becomes dry and crisp, with a distinct difference in temperature between day and night.
Health & Life Wisdom
White Dew is not only a natural milestone but also a season full of traditional customs and life wisdom. An old Chinese saying goes, “No more bare skin in White Dew, no more bare feet in Cold Dew”. It reminds people that the warm summer is truly over, and they need to add clothes timely to keep warm, especially in the morning and evening, to avoid catching cold. It is a simple but precious health-preserving wisdom passed down from ancient times.
Gentle Folk Customs
There are many gentle folk customs associated with White Dew. In some regions, people collect white dewdrops in the early morning. Ancient people believed that dewdrops in White Dew are pure and nourishing, bringing good health. Drinking white dew tea is also a popular custom. The tea picked in White Dew season tastes mellow and fresh, without the bitterness of summer tea, retaining the unique fragrance of early autumn. Besides, eating longans on White Dew is a local tradition, which symbolizes good luck and wellness for the whole year.
Connection with Nature
Beyond customs, White Dew carries people’s love for nature and peaceful life. It represents the transition from the passion of summer to the tranquility of autumn. The sky turns higher and bluer, the wind becomes gentle, and all things gradually enter a quiet state of accumulation. It teaches people to slow down, adapt to seasonal changes, and embrace the calm and beauty of life.
In short, White Dew is a lovely and meaningful solar term. It witnesses the subtle transformation of nature, inherits traditional folk culture, and conveys the simple philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Post time: Sep-07-2026