秋分是中国传统二十四节气(the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms)中的第十六个节气。“秋分”的英文表达为Autumn Equinox,它有以下两个含义:After that day, the location of direct sunlight moves to the south, making days shorter and nights longer in the northern hemisphere. 秋分过后,太阳直射点向南移动,北半球白昼时间变短,夜晚时间变长。
中国典籍《春秋繁露》记载:“秋分者,阴阳相半也,故昼夜均而寒暑平。” 'It is on the Autumn Equinox day that the Yin and Yang are in a balance of power. Thus the day and night are of equal length, and so are the cold and hot weather.'
以上内容,节选自China Daily推出的知识付费课程——《二十四节气双语精讲》。它用中英文双语讲解二十四节气的译法及与节气相关的传统习俗、民间传说、地方美食等,可以说十分有趣了。
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