Xiao Man is the eighth of China’s 24 Solar Terms, and means ‘Lesser Fullness’. Xiao Man fell on the 21st of May this year.

Xiao Man is the second term in summer, characterised by ancient Chinese scholars as the time of year in agriculture where temperatures have risen enough to make wheat grains fuller. However, the crops are nowhere near ripe enough, so large amounts of rain are needed for a good harvest. To help encourage this agricultural growth for Xiao Man, on around May 21st when it is believed to be the birthday of China’s Goddess of Silk, Leizu, Chinese citizens culturally express their gratitude for the silkworm and the cart deities that have brought great wealth to Chinese civilisation over thousands of years.

Leizu is known as the Goddess of Silk as she was rumoured to be the first to raise silkworms, weave silk and teach others how to do it, which led to the creation of products that brought on the first economic boom in China and continues to generate great prosperity for this country. For Xiao Man, the Chinese organise festivities to celebrate her birthday, send her good wishes and celebrate their own cocoon harvest.

Silk was invented in Shengze Town, Wujiang City, located in the South-East of China. Its GDP is equivalent to that of an entire city in China, with its silk industry holding up its entire local economy by exporting 10 billion meters of silk every year. To celebrate the silkworm, the creature that made this all possible, the locals of Shengze Town put on a 10-day opera each year for Xiao Man.

Silkworms are tiny, delicate creatures raised carefully by silkworm farmers to produce cocoons that are instrumental in creating intricately designed, luxury products such as clothing and quilts that can take years to make. Such products are often presented as gifts that symbolise great importance to their owners. The potential from the silkworm is massive; just one cocoon from one little bug produces 1,000 meters to 1,500 meters of silk.

Thanks to Xinhua News Agency CNC.

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