雨水
Yǔ Shuǐ · Rain Water
Each year lands around 2/19 in the Gregorian calendar (the exact date shifts slightly year to year).
Three Hou — five days each
- Otters lay out fish (as if offering)
- Wild geese head north
- Grass and trees begin to bud
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
At Yu-Shui (Rain Water), the temperature rises and ice begins to melt; rainfall increases. The critical moment for spring planting — 'spring rain is more precious than oil'.
Folklore & farming
On this day, a Sichuan custom called 'la bao bao' (拉保保) — parents seek god-parents for their child, asking that the child grow as Rain Water nourishes the earth.
What it means in a BaZi chart
The Yin (Tiger) month is now established, with Wood gaining momentum. For charts low in Wood, the days around Yu-Shui are when Water-feeds-Wood is most accessible.
Guidance, not prophecy. For reflection, not decision.