Beginning of Spring, as the first of the twenty-four solar terms, marks the beginning of spring. This year, Beginning of Spring falls on February 3rd in the Gregorian calendar. At this time, the daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere gradually lengthen, temperatures rise, and the air is filled with the breath of renewal as all things begin to revive.
In Chinese traditional culture, there are many customs and celebrations associated with Beginning of Spring. One such custom is "biting the spring" (咬春), where people eat specific foods like spring pancakes and radishes, symbolizing the welcoming of spring and praying for health and safety. Additionally, there are activities like posting Spring Festival couplets and hanging New Year pictures, which, though commonly seen during the Spring Festival, also express people's good wishes for the new year during Beginning of Spring. In some regions, there are Spring welcoming ceremonies, where people dress in festive attire, beat drums, and perform dragon and lion dances to welcome the Spring God, hoping for good weather, abundant harvests, and a prosperous year.
In farming societies, Beginning of Spring holds particular significance, as it directly relates to the agricultural production of the year. Farmers plan their agricultural activities based on the date of Beginning of Spring. A proverb says, "The year begins with Beginning of Spring; one must plan early for planting." This means that after Beginning of Spring, it is time to prepare for spring plowing. As time has passed, the traditional significance of Beginning of Spring and the cultural values it embodies have been preserved and passed down, becoming an important part of Chinese culture.
(By Yang Jiming/ Qi Qian)
