Seonglae ChoThe 24 Solar Terms is a system used in East Asian regions including China, Korea, and Japan to divide the solar year into 24 segments based on the sun's ecliptic longitude, providing detailed seasonal divisions.
Key characteristics of the 24 Solar Terms:
- UNESCO Recognition
- Registered as a Chinese UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage on January 1, 2017
- Astronomical Perspective
- Western astronomy only recognizes 4 key points: spring equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox, and winter solstice
- The remaining 20 solar terms have no corresponding terminology in astronomical science
- Important Considerations
- Solar terms are not absolute indicators of weather or seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter)
- Names and descriptions originated from the Zhou Dynasty in northern China's Huabei region, which may not align with modern Korean Peninsula weather patterns
- Recent global warming has increased temperatures, making traditional descriptions of each solar term less applicable
- Solar terms are best used as reference indicators for gauging seasonal changes