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Frost Descent
Heavy frost quiets the woods; a west wind brings the cold overnight.
Solar term date
Dates follow the Hong Kong Observatory’s calendar. They are civil dates, rather than precise astronomical times.
About this solar term
Frost Descent begins at solar longitude 210°, the final solar term of autumn. Its name points to increasing frost risk in some regions, not frost falling everywhere on this date.
Traditional signs describe hunting animals, yellowing leaves and insects taking shelter.
Persimmons, autumn foliage and preparations for colder weather feature in local customs. Actual frost depends on local temperature, moisture and terrain.
Seasonal signs
Wild dogs gather prey, leaves yellow and fall, and insects settle into shelter.
Traditional seasonal signs combine observation with historical imagination. Weather and wildlife vary by region and year.
A reading of the poem
Wind sweeps away the clouds beneath a vast, frost-bright sky. Wild dogs and chrysanthemums recall the seasonal rites and the Double Ninth festival. Sparse trees deepen autumn's sadness; calling geese bring thoughts of home. Who knew a cup of wine could ease so many autumn sorrows?
Tang dynasty · Traditionally attributed to Yuan Zhen
咏廿四气诗·霜降九月中
Poem source