? What Is the Beginning of Autumn?
“Autumn begins not when the leaves fall, but when the wind changes.”
Lìqiū, translated as the Beginning of Autumn, is the 13th solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar and typically falls on August 7. It marks the seasonal transition from summer’s intensity to autumn’s calm. Even though the heat may linger in many regions of China and abroad, this solar term represents a shift in energy—from rising yang (阳) to growing yin (阴).
In ancient Chinese culture, Lìqiū is a symbol of harvest, maturity, and reflection. It invites people to prepare for the coming coolness, rebalance their routines, and notice the subtle changes in the environment, food, and emotions.
? Cultural Meaning of Beginning of Autumn
In the Five Elements (五行) theory, autumn corresponds with metal (金), a symbol of clarity, structure, and letting go. The changing air becomes crisper, the skies turn clearer, and the golden tones of autumn begin to emerge in nature and art.
Lìqiū is not just a marker on the calendar—it’s an opportunity to reset, reorganize, and refocus, especially as it relates to health, home, and heritage.
? Popular Traditions and Customs During Beginning of Autumn
Over thousands of years, people across China have developed unique customs to embrace Lìqiū with meaning and balance. Here are some of the most popular:
1. “Bite the Autumn” (咬秋)
On Lìqiū, families often eat seasonal fruits like watermelon or peaches to symbolize “biting away” the heat of summer and welcoming the cool of autumn. It’s both a ritual and a health practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.
2. Weighing the Body (称人)
In some parts of China, especially Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, there’s a custom of weighing people on Lìqiū to track health and well-being. A slight weight gain is often seen as a sign of strength and good fortune after enduring summer’s heat.
3. Eating Autumn Dishes
Special dishes such as braised pork, lotus roots, duck, and seasonal vegetables are enjoyed during this time to strengthen the body and prepare for cooler days. Foods with earthy, grounding flavors are favored.
4. Harvest Celebrations
While most harvest festivals happen later in autumn, Lìqiū is a symbolic start to the agricultural harvest season. It’s a time for farmers to begin reaping early crops and families to stock up for winter.
?️ Autumn Hues in Nature & Stone: A Design Reflection
When people think of autumn in China, the first colors that come to mind are gold, amber, ochre, and brown—tones seen in ripening rice fields, fallen leaves, and ancient ceramics. These same hues are reflected in some of the most popular natural stones used in architecture and interior design.
At CENTURY STAR, we recognize how closely the rhythms of nature connect with our materials. This season, we celebrate autumn through four stunning golden/yellow stones that echo the richness and tranquility of Beginning of Autumn.
1. Fish Maw Gold Marble
Characterized by its golden beige base with flowing, irregular patterns, Fish Maw Gold Marble has a soft, warm elegance. It resembles golden sunlight spilling across polished floors and is ideal for luxury interiors, hotel lobbies, and statement walls.
3. Pandora Granite
With its deep yellow-gold tones interwoven with subtle black and white textures, Pandora Granite offers a classic yet bold appearance. It’s a hardwearing choice for kitchen islands, facades, or outdoor terraces that blend beautifully with natural fall landscapes.
2. Golden Spider Marble
This marble features striking golden veins that crisscross through a creamy white background—like autumn branches stretching across the sky. It’s dramatic yet timeless, often used in countertops, art walls, and upscale bathrooms.
4. Roman Impression Quartzite
This exotic quartzite features amber, ivory, and golden streaks that create a sophisticated, textured look. It mirrors the complexity of autumn leaves and is perfect for fireplace surrounds, feature walls, or art-inspired stonework.
These stones not only speak to the eyes—they connect with memory, emotion, and seasonality.
? Seasonal Wisdom in Stone Design
Just as autumn encourages shedding what no longer serves, this season can be a time to refresh your spaces. Incorporating yellow and gold stones into your design can bring:
- Warmth to minimal interiors
- Cultural symbolism of abundance and clarity
- Natural texture and elegance
- Visual harmony with fall foliage outdoors
Let Lìqiū inspire you to craft timeless spaces that resonate with nature’s cycles.
? Get Inspired This Autumn with CENTURY STAR
Looking to match your next project with the tones and textures of autumn?
Whether you’re a designer, architect, or stone buyer, we offer custom selections, expert sourcing, and global shipping for every scale and style.
? Email: [email protected]
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? Website: www.hcenturystar.com