About these two old sayings, it should refer to the Central Plains in the northern Yellow River basin. Generally, the local rainy season is mostly from late July to early August. Basically, in late August, as the cold air mass in the north moved southward, the warm air flow gradually withdrew southward. However, in August of the lunar calendar, if the local air flow is mainly warm and humid, and the weather is rainy and rainy continuously, it will not be conducive to the later growth, harvesting and drying of crops, and it is prone to crop failure or no harvest.
In the past, most of the traditional agricultural production methods depended on the weather, and the yield per mu was very low, which made the grain output in a season limited and not enough for families to eat, so people were easily starved to death or forced to go out and steal. Therefore, the folk summary is that "the tomb door is open when it thunders in August" or "thieves are everywhere when it thunders in August".
Festival customs in August of the lunar calendar
1, Uncle's birthday
Every year, the second day of the eighth lunar month is Uncle's birthday. Uncle is commonly known as the land Lord, also known as the owner of the land. On this day, many rural areas will burn incense and worship in the small temple of the social altar, invite the troupe to set up a stage to sing operas, and carry out parades, picking green flowers, worship and other ceremonies.
2. The birthday of the eight-character queen
In Suzhou, it is said that the eighth day of the eighth lunar month is the birthday of the eight-character empress. On the eighth day of the eighth lunar month, local old ladies will not only give incense to the eight-character empress, but also put their birthdays on golden spindles made of wheat straw to pray for ample food and clothing.
3. Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the four traditional festivals in China. There are many nicknames for Mid-Autumn Festival, such as Mid-Autumn Festival, Moonlight Birthday, Mid-Autumn Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival and Reunion Festival. Mid-Autumn Festival evolved from the ancient Mid-Autumn Festival. There are many festivals and customs in Mid-Autumn Festival, including offering sacrifices to the moon, enjoying moon cakes, watching lanterns, enjoying osmanthus flowers and drinking osmanthus wine (the above contents are for reference only).