Grain Rain is one of the 24 solar terms. It originated from the ancient saying that "rain gives life to all grains". "The Pure Brightness means stop of snow, and the Grain Rain means the stop of frost". According to the weather experts, the Grain Rain is the last solar term in spring. The coming of Grain Rain means that the cold and humid weather almost comes to an end and the temperature will rise again quickly.

In the Grain Rain, the weather is mild and there is an obvious increase of rainfall, which has a great influence on growth of grain crops. The appropriate rainfall will contribute to the reviving and growth of winter crops as well as the sowing and seeding emerging in spring. The ancient saying "rain gives life to all "rains" "shows the Grain Rain's significance of climate on modern agriculture. However, the excessive rainfall and the severe drought always result in damages and may influence crop production in the later stage.

In ancient China, the Grain Rain is divided into three periods: the first period when duckweeds begin to grow; the second period when the cuckoos flap their wings; and the third period when the hoopoes stand on mulberries. This means that after the Grain Rain, the rainfall will increase and duckweeds begin to grow. After that, cuckoos begin to remind people to sow seeds. Then, hoopoes can be seen on mulberries.

After the Grain Rain, the rainfall increases and air humidity grows gradually. The peach blossom and the apricot blossom contend in beauty and fascination. The poplar catkins and the willow catkins are flying all through the air. The grain crops thrive as well. Cuckoos are singing at night. Peonies begin to thrive. Cherries are red and mature. The natural scenery tells us that it is the late spring.

Drinking tea
There is an old custom in southern China that people drink tea on the day of Grain Rain. Spring tea during Grain Rain is rich in vitamins and amino acids, which can help to remove heat from the body and is good for the eyes. It is also said that drinking tea on this day would prevent bad luck.

Eating toona sinensis
People in northern China have the tradition to eat the vegetable toona sinensis during Grain Rain. An old Chinese saying goes "toona sinensis before the rain is as tender as silk". The vegetable is nutritious and can help to strengthen the immune system. It is also good for the stomach and skin.