大暑
Dà Shǔ · Major Heat
Each year lands around 7/23 in the Gregorian calendar (the exact date shifts slightly year to year).
Three Hou — five days each
- Rotting grass turns to fireflies
- Earth moistens, summer heaviness
- Heavy rains arrive at intervals
The 'three hou' (三候) is the traditional five-day-each observation pattern within a single solar term — fifteen days in all.
What this term marks
Da-Shu (Major Heat). The hottest period of the year. Humid heat in the south, sudden heavy storms in the north.
Folklore & farming
Folk custom 'fu cha' (drinking herbal cooling tea). In Taiwan and Fujian, 'mid-year' (过半年) on the 15th of the 6th lunar month — a midpoint to greet friends and family.
What it means in a BaZi chart
End of Wei month — Fire and Earth both at peak. Charts running hot and dry urgently need climate balance; Water is most precious now. Water-strong charts feel coolly composed in contrast.
Guidance, not prophecy. For reflection, not decision.