Solar Term Series: Mangzhong (Grain in Ear) Letterpress Mini Stamp

"Spring plowing, summer weeding, autumn harvest, winter storing." The cycle of seasons, each with its own beauty and sentiment. The ancients further divided the four seasons into the "24 solar terms," marking the changes in seasons and reminding us to gratefully receive nature's gifts and appreciate the earth's abundance. We've captured this sentiment in these seasonal mini stamps, hoping to evoke your resonance with the beauty of the seasons and gratitude for the blessings that nourish our lives. 〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇 "Mangzhong" (Grain in Ear) doesn't refer to planting mangoes, but rather signifies that after "Xiaoman" (Minor Fullness), the rice ears will fully form into "grain," and fine "awn" will appear on the husks, signaling farmers to prepare for harvest. It's a time of bountiful grain and full hands. In ancient times, Mangzhong was also a folk festival; as the flower season passed, "all flowers have fallen, the flower deity retires, and needs to be bid farewell." A ceremony was held to send off the flower deity on this day. In Taiwanese proverbs, it's said, "Mangzhong and Summer Solstice, the mangoes drop from the stem." This is when fruits and melons begin to ripen, and "mangoes" are ready for us to enjoy. Thus, "Mangzhong" in Taiwan takes on an interesting new meaning. Ancient wisdom marked "Mangzhong's three phases" through animal behavior: "The praying mantis lays eggs; the shrike begins to chirp; the thrush falls silent." Passing through these three phases indicates the Mangzhong season is over, the summer heat intensifies, and we move into the next solar term. 〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇〇 Includes: Velvet drawstring pouch x1, oil-based ink pad x1, letterpress mini stamp x1 **Imprinted size is approximately 1.48cm square.**