諺語 · a single proverb
春捂秋凍
Simplified: 春捂秋冻
What does 春捂秋凍 (chūn wǔ qiū dòng) mean?
春捂秋凍 (chūn wǔ qiū dòng) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語). Word for word it reads "Bundle up in spring, toughen up in autumn." In use it means: In spring, keep wearing warm clothing even as temperatures rise, because cold snaps still threaten health. In autumn, delay adding layers so the body acclimates to cooler air. This proverb encodes traditional Chinese medical thinking about seasonal health transitions. You reach for it when you want that idea in one breath, and the Wood note it carries is why we hand it to those born in the Year of the Rabbit.
Literally: "Bundle up in spring, toughen up in autumn.."
The reading
The body has its own pace for adjusting, and wisdom lies in not rushing it. Spring warmth is unreliable; autumn cold is a teacher if you let it toughen you gradually. Health is not maintained by reacting to the moment but by anticipating what the season still holds. Patience with the body's rhythms prevents illness that haste invites.
What kind of proverb it is
Source Traditional Chinese medicine health proverb (中醫養生諺語)
Sits beside
Keep reading
Return to the Proverb Pond to draw another of the eighty-seven, or hear one read aloud. Read the rest of its chapter in Nature, Seasons & Health, or follow the years these lines belong to: Year of the Rabbit, Year of the Rat, and Year of the Ox.
Questions
Is 春捂秋凍 a real Chinese proverb?
Yes. 春捂秋凍 (chūn wǔ qiū dòng) is a folk proverb (yànyǔ 諺語), and it comes from Traditional Chinese medicine health proverb (中醫養生諺語). It is living Chinese heritage, given here with per-character pinyin and its source so you can trust the line, not a phrase invented in English.
How do you pronounce 春捂秋凍?
In Mandarin it is chūn wǔ qiū dòng. Read the pinyin above each character to follow the tones, or press the speaker beside the calligraphy to hear your browser read 春捂秋凍 aloud in Mandarin.