Autumn Has Started Already In China

I just realized today in Chinese tradition autumn has already started. In Chinese calendar, Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice are middle of the season instead of beginning of the season. I think the Chinese way makes more sense since the two Solstices suppose to be the longest or shortest day of the year, hence they should be considered as the center of summer or winter.

Following this logic, 9/21 should be the middle of Fall rather than beginning of fall. That means Summer ends and Fall starts a month and half before 9/21. So 8/7 should be the last day of summer and 8/8 should be the first day of Fall every year. Wow, hence it is already Fall now.

Even though Chinese calendar is basically a lunar calendar, Spring Equinox, Summer Solstice, Autumn Equinox and Winter Solstice are determined by observing the Solar system. Actually there are total of 24 solar-terms in Chinese calendar that are called "Jie Qi", which translates to "Season and Climate". There are two every month to reflect the change of weather and temperature due to change of distance between Earth and Sun. Ancient Chinese peasants use the 24 "Jie Qi" as the key for planning and arrangement of agriculture activities.