Twelve months - fourth month

Twelve Months - twelve genre paintings, each of which shows a month with a wide range of natural phenomena and folk customs associated with it.
These twelve paintings were once hung in Emperor Qianlong's palace, one every month.

Description of the seasons from the calendar of the Xia Dynasty (21-16th century BC)

4th month: "Summer Start", "Meng Xia".
"In the cycle of the year, this period corresponds to the Beginning of Summer, Meng Xia. It correlates with the QIANGUA of the" Book of Changes. "The Northern Bucket at this time is oriented to the SY sector. The first month of summer is called the earing season. turn into fruits. You need to go to bed late and get up early. You must not allow irritation in your thoughts. You can not sweat a lot ... "


7) Season "Li Xia", "Establishment of Summer" May 5-6 (beginning of the month).
"Summer begins. Ten thousand entities borrow from the breath-qi of the season the warmth and softness and grow and develop. The constellation of the Pleiades is visible. A period of little drought. The South Gate opens. The cicadas are singing. Apricots bloom in the gardens. Frogs croak. Earthworms emerge. cucumbers. "

8) Season "Xiao Man", "Low Saturation" May 21-22 (mid-month).
“Expiration of grain saturation. This is the period of grain pouring, which is completely saturated this season. Grass and weeds take the lead in growth. Thistle blooms. Weeds are already everywhere. There is a great drought in the southern regions. Stallions, camels and young donkeys are caught and tamed to the bridle. Bitter plants are blooming. Wheat harvest time. The tender grass is dying. "