In the Northern Hemisphere, May 5 marks Lìxià (立夏), the seventh of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and the official beginning of summer in the Chinese solar calendar. This solar term lasts for fifteen days and signals the seasonal transition into warmer weather and longer days.
Each year, Lìxià begins when the handle of the Big Dipper points southeast and the sun reaches an ecliptic longitude of 45 degrees. These astronomical markers were traditionally used to guide farming and seasonal activities.
As temperatures rise, Lìxià becomes an important time for agriculture, especially as summer crops begin to grow and fields require increased care. It represents not only the arrival of summer, but also a season of growth, vitality, and preparation for the harvest ahead.
Historical Insight-
Lìxià carries deep cultural significance since the Zhou Dynasty, with emperors leading ceremonies to honor Shennong, the patron of agriculture and medicine, along with deities of the sun and fire, praying for protection from drought, floods, and poor harvests. As a time for both farming and ancestor worship, Lìxià reflects the connection between honoring the land, preserving tradition, and remembering those who came before us.
Cinco De Mayo in The United States:
Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5, commemorates Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although it is often mistaken for Mexico’s Independence Day, the holiday actually honors the resilience and determination shown when a smaller Mexican army defeated the much larger French military under General Ignacio Zaragoza. The victory became a powerful symbol of Mexican pride, resistance, and national unity. In the United States, Cinco de Mayo grew in significance among Mexican American communities, especially in places like California, where it became a way to celebrate Mexican heritage, culture, and identity. Today, many people honor the holiday through parades, traditional music, folklórico dancing, community festivals, and foods that reflect generations of cultural tradition. For many Mexican families, Cinco de Mayo remains meaningful not just as a historical remembrance, but as a celebration of ancestry, cultural pride, and the preservation of roots across generations.
Crops, Chickens, and Meat Rabbits:
All of the greens for this harvesting year have been planted, along with this season’s corn crop.These crops require regular watering, weed control, and close attention to soil health to ensure strong growth. Most leafy greens can be harvested in early to mid-summer, while corn typically takes longer and is usually ready for harvest by late fall.
GARs chicken farmer was awarded a grant for chicken tunnels! They competed over five-hundred grant applicants nd was chosen as one of the 16 awardees in the nation.
Preparations to begin raising rabbits for meat are currently underway as part of our effort to add more sustainable, locally raised protein options to our food boxes. We currently have one doe (female rabbit) and are in the process of finding a Rex buck to begin our breeding program. Rex rabbits are valued for their quality meat production and efficient growth, making them a strong choice for supporting food security and community nourishment. Once breeding begins, this project will help expand access to fresh, home-raised meat for families receiving our food boxes.
