It is one of the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunar calendar, usually between March 5 or 6 every year. It marks the official arrival of spring, which means that the earth begins to rejuvenate, insects awaken, and everything revives. On this day, people have many rich and diverse folk customs, and the following is to introduce some typical customs.
1.Villain beating: On the day of the sting, people will participate in the custom of "beating the villain". It is said that spring thunder can wake up not only insects, but also some bad things, such as "villains". Beating the villain is a symbolic ritual activity in which people hope to drive away bad luck and troubles and pray for good luck in the form of beating the villain.
2.Drum skin: According to the records of the "Zhou Li", the sting is the day of the drum skin. The ancients believed that the thunder god of the heavenly court would beat the heavenly drum on this day, and the human world would be covered with drum skin accordingly. The Drum Skin is a folk musical instrument used to welcome the arrival of spring and the revival of all things. According to custom, people will beat the drum collectively on the day of the sting to express their anticipation and prayer for spring.
3.Eating pears: In many parts of China, it is a traditional custom to eat pears on this day. This is because the pronunciation of "pear" and "leave" is similar, meaning to stay away from diseases and pests. At the same time, pears are rich in nutrients, which have the effect of clearing heat and dissolving phlegm, which helps to maintain health in spring.
4.Sacrifice to the White Tiger to resolve right and wrong: In some places, people will sacrifice the White Tiger on the day of the sting. The white tiger is believed to be a sacred beast that protects the people and is able to resolve all kinds of right and wrong and disputes. By sacrificing the white tiger, people hope to eliminate disputes and usher in a harmonious and peaceful new year.
5.Firecrackers: In some rural areas, firecrackers are set off on the day of the sting. This is to dispel the cold and evil spirits and welcome the arrival of spring. The sound of firecrackers can scare away evil spirits, dispel the haze of winter, and bring a peaceful and festive atmosphere to people.
6.Smoke the house with fragrance and wormwood: In some places in ancient times, people often smoked the house with fragrance and wormwood on the day of stinging. This is to repel "snakes, insects, mosquitoes, rats" and musty smells, and to keep the home clean and pleasant environment. The fragrance and wormwood have a certain effect of repelling insects and evil spirits, and also bring good luck to the family to purify the body and mind.
The stinging solar term represents the awakening of spring thunder, which means the rejuvenation of the earth and the revival of all things. The folk customs introduced above reflect people's respect for the natural seasons and their expectations for a better life in the new year. Over time, some customs may have changed or evolved in different regions, but they are still cultural symbols that people pass on and express their wishes for spring. I hope that everyone can participate in these customs on the day of the sting, feel the arrival of spring, and welcome a new beginning.