The Beginning of Spring is the first of the 24 solar terms in China, and also the start of spring. The time of the Beginning of Spring is usually on February 3rd or 4th every year, when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315°. The meaning of the Beginning of Spring is to announce the end of winter, the arrival of spring, the revival of all things, and the vitality of life. The Beginning of Spring is one of the traditional Chinese festivals, and also an important sign of the lunar new year.
The custom of the beginning of spring
New Year Greetings
The Beginning of Spring is the start of the new year, and people need to greet each other, wishing each other peace, auspiciousness, and happiness. There are many ways of greeting, such as visiting in person, making phone calls, sending text messages, sending red envelopes, etc. The objects of greeting are relatives, friends, teachers, elders, colleagues, etc. The gifts of greeting are fruits, candies, drinks, tea, New Year paintings, etc. The custom of greeting originated from the ancient sacrificial activities, and is the expectation and prayer of people for the new year. There are many blessing words for greeting, such as “Congratulations on your fortune”, “May everything go well”, “Good health”, etc., which are the good wishes of people for life.
Spring Plowing
The Beginning of Spring is the start of the lunar new year, and also the start of agricultural activities. On this day, farmers need to start spring plowing, laying the foundation for a year of harvest. The methods of spring plowing include plowing, sowing, fertilizing, pruning, etc. The objects of spring plowing are rice, wheat, vegetables, fruit trees, etc. The wishes of spring plowing include worshipping the gods, praying for favorable weather, and abundant grains. The custom of spring plowing reflects the profound heritage of Chinese agricultural civilization, and is the awe and gratitude of people for nature. There are many ceremonies of spring plowing, such as “Welcoming Spring Ceremony”, “Spring Ox Ceremony”, “Spring Society Ceremony”, etc., which are the ways of expressing the welcome of spring and the worship of the gods with offerings, songs, dances, games, etc.
Cutting Window Flowers
The Beginning of Spring is the continuation of the Spring Festival, and also the symbol of celebration. On this day, people need to paste various window flowers on the windows, adding to the festive atmosphere. The forms of window flowers include paper-cutting, painting, stickers, etc. The contents of window flowers include flowers, birds, animals, characters, auspicious words, etc. The meanings of window flowers include beauty, auspiciousness, luck, reunion, etc. The custom of window flowers originated from the ancient paper art, and is the decoration and beautification of life by people. The production of window flowers has many methods, such as “folding paper method”, “cutting paper method”, “carving paper method”, etc., which are the ways of showing the exquisite skills and creativity of people with simple tools and materials.
Eating Spring Pancakes
The Beginning of Spring is the start of spring, and also the change of food. On this day, people need to eat spring pancakes, implying the arrival of spring, and also the farewell of winter. The methods of making spring pancakes include frying, baking, roasting, etc. The fillings of spring pancakes include scallions, leeks, bean sprouts, eggs, meat, etc. The meanings of spring pancakes include tolerance, harmony, nourishment, health, etc. The custom of eating spring pancakes originated from the ancient sacrificial rituals, and is the congratulation of spring and the memorial of ancestors by people. The ways of eating spring pancakes have many methods, such as “wrapping pancake method”, “rolling pancake method”, “clamping pancake method”, etc., which are the ways of enjoying the deliciousness and fun of spring pancakes with different methods.
Appreciating Flowers
The Beginning of Spring is the season of revival of all things, and also the season of blooming flowers. On this day, people need to appreciate flowers, enjoy the beauty of nature, and also praise life. The places of appreciating flowers include parks, gardens, mountains, fields, etc. The varieties of flowers include plum blossoms, peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, cherry blossoms, etc. The moods of appreciating flowers include joy, romance, emotion, poetry, etc. The custom of appreciating flowers reflects the aesthetic taste of Chinese literati, and is the love and praise of flowers and spring by people. The activities of appreciating flowers have many methods, such as “Plum Blossom Appreciation Meeting”, “Peach Blossom Appreciation Meeting”, “Cherry Blossom Appreciation Meeting”, etc., which are the ways of expressing the feelings and expectations of flowers and spring with poetry, music, tea, wine, etc.
The Bottom Line
The Beginning of Spring is a solar term full of hope and vitality, and also a festival rich in tradition and culture. On this day, we need to feel the breath of spring, welcome the arrival of the new year, and wish ourselves and our family and friends happiness, well-being, and everything goes well.
