Summer Solstice Naming Customs in China The Summer Solstice, also known as "Xiàzhì" in Chinese, is one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar. It usually falls on June 21st or 22nd every year, marking the day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky and the daytime is the longest of the year. It is also a traditional festival in China that is celebrated with various customs and rituals, including naming. Chinese people believe that the Summer Solstice is an auspicious day for naming, especially for babies born around this time. The name given on this day is believed to bring good fortune, health, and happiness to the baby. It is also a way to express the parents' hope and blessings for their child's future. The naming customs for the Summer Solstice vary from region to region in China. In northern China, parents usually choose names that have the character "阳" (yáng) in them, which means "sun" or "positive energy." For example, the name "阳光" (yáng guāng) means "sunshine," while the name "阳洋" (yáng yáng) means "ocean of positive energy." In southern China, names that have the character "龙" (lóng) in them are popular. The dragon is a symbol of prosperity, luck, and strength in Chinese culture. Thus, parents often choose names like "龙飞" (lóng fēi) which means "flying dragon," or "龙力" (lóng lì) which means "dragon power." Besides, some parents may also choose names based on the Five Elements theory in Chinese culture. For instance, if the baby is born in the year of the Fire Rooster, which is one of the Chinese zodiac signs, the name should contain the character "火" (huǒ) which means "fire." An example of such a name could be "火翼" (huǒ yì) which means "fiery wings." In conclusion, the Summer Solstice is a significant day in Chinese culture, and naming is an essential custom on this day. Whether it is based on the meaning of the characters or the Five Elements theory, parents hope to give their children a name that will bring them good luck and success in their future endeavors.