Microseason: Crow-dipper Plants Grow

Crow-dipper Plants Grow 半夏生 Hange shōzu is the final microseason of the Summer Solstice Solar term, and the 30th (of 70) micro-season overall. In 2026, it is on from July 2nd to July 6th. This microseason is so named because during this period the crow-dipper plant becomes noticeable in fields and mountain paths.

Crow-dipper plant is a grass-looking plant that has tips of white in the summer. I can't find any of my photos of the plant, so I have used a scene of wild green growth during this season, as it is another classic sign of this micro-season. But the appearance of the crow-dipper plant is particularly important in the seasonal calendar, because it is said to signal exactly 11 days after the summer solstice.

In traditional agriculture this microseason helped indicate an essential turning point. Instead of telling farmers to plant or harvest, Crow-dipper tells them when to stop. It marks the start of a rest period for farmers, when crops can grow on their own.