Twenty-Four Solar Terms — Frost's Descent: As Autumn Fades, Frost Begins to Fall
2026/10/23 9
Today marks Frost's Descent, the last solar term of autumn and the prelude to winter.
The mountains are clear and the waters pure; frost arrives at nightfall, as trees turn deep crimson and pale gold. Today is Frost's Descent, the final solar term of autumn and the opening chapter of winter. The air grows cold and condenses; dew turns to frost. Frost does not fall from the sky, but forms as moisture condenses on plants and grasses during the chilly nights, draping the earth in a thin veil. Maple leaves turn red, persimmons ripen, and chrysanthemums still bloom — pushing the colors of late autumn to their peak.
Folklore holds that eating persimmons on Frost's Descent brings "everything as you wish," while climbing heights to admire chrysanthemums captures the last gentle warmth of autumn. After Frost's Descent, the temperature difference between day and night widens, and the morning and evening chill grows steadily. Remember to dress warmly, stay hydrated, and nourish yourself as the season transitions. As autumn slowly draws to a close, all things begin to rest.