“Do Not Expose Your Body in White Dew Season”
Today is White Dew. A folk saying goes: “Do not expose your body in White Dew,” meaning autumn has arrived, and the weather is cooling down—be careful not to catch a chill.
Editor’s Recommendation: Late autumn sees significant weather changes, with increased temperature differences between morning and evening. Especially during the transition from autumn to winter, strong cold fronts often bring sudden drops in temperature. Persisting with the idea of “autumn cold exposure” (wearing less to adapt to cold) may backfire. See: [Rules for Cold Exposure in Autumn]
Old Yang once doubted whether he suffered from the same condition as Lu Xun’s character “Old Lady Jiujin”—feeling that today’s weather is warmer than in the past. For example, today’s high temperature remains at 29°C despite the influence of Typhoon No. 19 “Sanda,” bringing strong winds and coolness, with scattered showers in some areas. In the morning, Old Yang tried going bare-chested at home, briefly becoming a “bare-chested man,” feeling quite comfortable.
Actually, Old Yang’s view resonates with many. Yesterday evening, while strolling near his residential community, he saw some middle-aged men wearing pajama pants and walking bare-chested casually. More commonly seen were middle-aged men in tank tops or young women and housewives in halter tops and belly-baring shirts.
Nowadays, people prioritize comfort, especially among middle-aged and young adults. They wear suits and ties even in sweltering heat, enduring the “gentleman” image. Similarly, in White Dew or deep autumn, they boldly wear halter tops and belly-baring shirts to show off youthful vitality. As long as your body can handle it, do what feels comfortable—others have no right to criticize.
Nevertheless, playing the “gentleman” or showing off youth should be done moderately—occasionally only. After all, “Do not expose your body in White Dew” still holds truth. White Dew signifies autumn’s arrival. Although daytime temperatures may still be high, mornings and evenings are cool, with large temperature differences. The back and navel—areas we deliberately expose—are vulnerable points, prime targets for autumn cold invasion.