"Usui", Rainwater Solar Term

We are currently in the second solar term of the year, in the traditional East Asian Calendar. It is called "Usui" which literally means "rainwater". It begins when the sun reaches 330° ecliptic longitude. "Usui" started on February 19th and in 2026 it is on until March 4th. It follows "Risshun", which you will find a post about on City-cost. 

 Usui marks the period when winter's snow begins to melt and precipitation shifts from snow to rain. Temperatures slowly rise, the ground softens, and early signs of spring become more noticeable. Traditionally, Usui was considered the time to begin preparing fields for agriculture, since the soil starts to thaw.

Usui is also associated with the season when plum blossoms begin to open and warmer winds start to blow. "Usui" is a reminder to set out Hina dolls ahead of Hinamatsuri, for those who haven't already. It's a beautiful season of awakening and emergence.