Tilling Illustration 9: Pulling up Rice Seedlings

Lush green sprouts pierce the water, filling the level plains;
The transplanting to western fields calls for even greater diligence.
The swift turning of the seasons startles the heart as "Grain in Ear" original: Mangzhong, the 9th solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar, occurring in early June; it is the most critical period for sowing and transplanting crops draws near;
The dividing of seedlings must be completed during these early summer days.

An auspicious day arrives after the Spring Social original: Shehou, a festival dedicated to the God of the Soil, marking a transition in the agricultural calendar;
Every household seizes the moment during this busy season.
With hands full, they divide the plants from the green soil,
Rinsing the roots in the swirling green ripples.
Children carry the shoulder-poles and food vessels original: gouke, traditional curved baskets and containers used to bring mid-day meals to those working in the fields;
Wives and youngsters prepare the seedling markers original: yangqi, small flags or markers used to guide the workers in planting straight, orderly rows.
Long accustomed to the simple joys of the farmer,
They remain quite unaware of their own hard toil.

A green carpet is spread evenly across the level plains;
The breeze is gentle across the villages, and flowers bloom as bright as fire.
Moving from the southern fields toward the western paths,
The days are long during the season of pulling seedlings.