May 21, 2026; May 21, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).

What are the three pentads of Grain Buds?

Pentad 1: 苦菜秀 (Sow thistle flowers); Pentad 2: 靡草死 (Delicate grasses wither); Pentad 3: 麥秋至 (The wheat harvest arrives).

Where is the Sun at Grain Buds?

The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 60° (entering Gemini). Grain Buds is a principal term (zhongqi) in summer.

Solar term 8 of 24

小滿 · Xiaoman

Sun's longitude 60° · Principal term (zhongqi) · Summer · May 21, 2026

The grains of early crops start to fill out but are not yet ripe, hence “grain buds”: full, but not overflowing.

Each solar term is split into three pentads of about five days, each marked by a sign in nature.

In the south there were old offerings to the silkworm and water-wheel spirits; in the north people eat bitter greens.

Dates are in Beijing time.

When is Grain Buds?: May 21, 2026; May 21, 2027 (the moment the term begins, Beijing time).
What are the three pentads of Grain Buds?: Pentad 1: 苦菜秀 (Sow thistle flowers); Pentad 2: 靡草死 (Delicate grasses wither); Pentad 3: 麥秋至 (The wheat harvest arrives).
What customs are associated with Grain Buds?: In the south there were old offerings to the silkworm and water-wheel spirits; in the north people eat bitter greens.
Where is the Sun at Grain Buds?: The Sun reaches ecliptic longitude 60° (entering Gemini). Grain Buds is a principal term (zhongqi) in summer.

For culture and fun: personality and tradition only, no predictions.