Written by Paul Arellano

Welcome to the season of Budding of Grain (or “small fullness” Xiaoman 小满). This is the time of year when plants are firmly established and the future harvest begins to show itself in the development of grains, which are still immature but becoming full with the onset of summer. It is a rich time of year when various plants are blooming, growing, going to seed, and dying all at the same time.

This is a time of year when the last of the previous year's crops are harvested, and the early spring plants of this year are now dying. This is one way to understand the name of this period Xiaoman 小满 or “Small Fullness”, the term “fullness” referring to the development of grain to be ready to harvest. Another way to describe this time of year would be the “Little Harvest”. While the autumn is a time to reap the greatest abundance of herbs, grains, fruits and vegetables, this time period is one where the “lesser” harvest of spring herbs and winter grains such as barley are ready to be gathered. 

Symbolically, this is a time to consolidate the lessons and accomplishments we have made so far this year. To “harvest” the little works we have done and prepare for the larger works of the summer. Put aside the spring cleaning, and look towards larger home and garden projects for the dry season, as an example. The ancient Chinese “Book of Rites” indicates this is a time period to drive away pests, but not by killing them: for example, cleaning up your kitchen can get rid of ants, or putting up chicken wire can keep critters from nibbling veggie starts. These kinds of improvements can make a big difference later in the summer, and now is the time to get this kind of project going.

In terms of seasonal diet, this is a time of year to eat the last of the winter greens, along with the cooling and bitter plants of the early summer like strawberries, dandelion greens and early season daikon radishes or turnips that are all becoming ripe. Winter barley is also harvested this time of year, so a salad of fresh greens, barley and strawberries would be a perfect kind of seasonal dish –Not too heavy, but cleansing and moistening to help regulate our internal temperature as the weather gets warmer. 

In general for this month: lightly steamed greens, melons and berries, and whole grains are all good seasonal foods to incorporate into your diet.

We are now in the month of the Snake within the year of the Yin Wood Snake. The Snake as a zodiac animal is about withdrawal and transformation.And just as this year is one in which to take a step back and look towards the future –who we would like to become and what we want to cultivate and protect–likewise, May is a month of taking a step back before the full force of summer to collect ourselves, contemplate the future, and tie up loose ends from our Spring work. Take the opportunity to rest when you can, spend time in nature or in your garden if you have one, and allow yourself to soak up the warming summer energy to prepare for the coming solstice and season of fun.