Frost's Descent, the eighteenth solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar, marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. As recorded in the Commentary on the Seventy-Two Divisions of the Lunar Months: “In the ninth lunar month, the air grows stern and dense, and dew crystallizes into frost.”

With the sharp increase in temperature differences between day and night, the first frost quietly makes its appearance.

During Frost's Descent, the sun's direct rays shift southward, and cold air masses become more active. Meteorologically, frost does not “fall from the sky” but forms naturally when near-surface water vapor cools and sublimates into ice crystals—requiring temperatures below 0°C and sufficient humidity. Ancient Chinese divided Frost's Descent into three phases:

First phase: Wolves prepare for winter by hunting prey.

Second phase: Grass and trees turn yellow and shed their leaves.

Third phase: Insects burrow deep into hibernation.

Eating persimmons and admiring chrysanthemums to welcome winter blessings

Frost's Descent customs blend agricultural wisdom with life philosophy. A folk proverb states, “Eat persimmons during Frost's Descent, and you won't have a runny nose.” Ripe red persimmons not only ward off the cold and strengthen the body but also symbolize “everything going smoothly.” Chrysanthemum exhibitions are another highlight of Frost's Descent, where scholars and artists compose poetry and paint. Su Shi's verse, “A thousand trees swept into one shade of yellow, Only the lotus blooms alone in splendor,” perfectly captures this scene. Additionally, climbing heights for panoramic views and nourishing the body through tonics are significant customs. The folk saying “Winter tonics pale beside Frost's descent” underscores the importance of gently replenishing qi and blood, strengthening the spleen, and nurturing the stomach during this season.

 Autumn's Essence and Philosophical Reflections in Poetry and Proverbs

Frost's Descent carries profound cultural significance. Du Mu's verse, “I halt my carriage, captivated by the maple forest at dusk; frosted leaves outshine the blooms of February,” paints a picture of forests dyed in autumn hues. Li Shangyin's lines, “The maiden of frost and the moon goddess both endure the chill, vying for beauty beneath the frosty moon,” employ mythical imagery to lament the crisp cold of frosty nights. Proverbs like “Frost's Descent brings frost, filling granaries with grain” and " A year's worth of nourishment pales beside Frost's descent“ encapsulate our ancestors' wisdom on seasonal rhythms. Yuan Zhen's ”Frost's Descent in Mid-September“ sketches late autumn's vastness with ”Wind sweeps clear clouds away, Leaving frost across boundless skies,“ while the phenological observation ”jackals sacrifice beasts" reveals humanity's harmonious coexistence with nature.

Frost's Descent marks both autumn's farewell and winter's prelude. With frost as its brush and wind as its ink, it writes the cycle of seasons and life's renewal across the heavens and earth. At this moment, savor a sweet persimmon, inhale the fragrance of chrysanthemums, and immerse yourself in the poetic warmth of late autumn through traditional customs and wellness wisdom.