An aerial photograph taken on 20 April 2026 shows paddy fields in China's Hubei province. As the solar term xiaoman, also known as "small fullness" or "grain buds," approaches in late May, Chinese farmers are hoping for abundant rainfall to sustain their rice crops.
Understanding Xiaoman
Xiaoman corresponds to the last two weeks of May. In northern China, the name traditionally refers to growing wheat grains, while in southern China, it signifies the fullness of rivers with rainwater. The weather during this period is generally warm and sultry, and traditional menus feature bitter herbs and cucumber, believed to counteract the heat.
Rainfall Expectations
Unlike English farmers who hope for a warm May with moderate rainfall, Chinese farmers depend on heavy downpours to fill rice paddies. According to traditional belief, if fields are not full during xiaoman, they will dry out before summer ends. Thus, rain is eagerly anticipated. Chinese weather folklore for this term is rich with signs of approaching rain: frogs croaking loudly in unison are said to be singing the rain down, and low-flying swarms of bees or flies indicate imminent precipitation.
Silk Production and Customs
Xiaoman is also a critical period for silk production and is celebrated as the birthday of the silkworm goddess, Leizu. Although heavy storms are welcomed for irrigation, it was traditionally believed that thunder could kill silkworms while they were spinning their cocoons. To prevent this, farmers would bang drums before xiaoman, accustoming their worms to loud noises so that storms would not affect them.
