Three minutes to talk about culture
The vernal equinox is the fourth solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar, which generally occurs around March 20 of the solar calendar, which is also the midpoint of spring. It marks the equinox of day and night, with the direct point of the sun above the equator, heralding the official start of spring.
Here are some of the characteristics of the vernal equinox solar terms and related customs and activities:
1. Climatic characteristics: during the spring equinox, the time of day and night is equal, and day and night are equally divided. The temperature is gradually rising, the sun is shining, and the spring breeze is blowing. All things on the earth have entered the full recovery and growth period of spring.
2. Spring farming: The spring equinox is a busy time for farmers. At this time, farmers will continue their spring farming activities such as plowing, sowing, pruning fruit trees, etc. They take advantage of the spring equinox as a favorable time to prepare for the growth and harvest of crops.
3. Food customs: There are also some special food customs during the spring equinox solar terms. In some places, there are traditional foods such as equinox rattan cakes and spring equinox cakes. In addition, people will also choose some fresh vegetables and fruits as the spring equinox diet, such as bean sprouts, greens, strawberries, etc., to supplement nutrition and welcome the arrival of spring.
4. Spring outing and outing: During the spring equinox, the sun is shining and the climate is pleasant, and people like to go outdoors for spring outing and outing. They will choose some scenic places to enjoy the beauty of spring and feel the vitality of nature.
5. Qingming Festival: Before and after the spring equinox, it is also the traditional Chinese Qingming Festival. Qingming Festival is an important festival to worship ancestors and sweep tombs. People would go to ancestral cemeteries, pay respects to their ancestors, sweep their graves, and tidy up their cemeteries. At the same time, there will also be some places where various commemorative activities and folk performances are held, such as hiking, kite flying, swinging, etc.
6. Folk activities: During the spring equinox, various folk activities will be held in some places, such as dragon and lion dances, drumming and passing flowers, and carrying sedan chairs. These events are not only entertaining, but also symbolize good fortune, prosperity and a desire for a good harvest.
The vernal equinox solar term marks the official beginning of spring, when everything on the earth recovers and agricultural activities enter a peak. Through various customs and activities, people celebrate the arrival of spring and pray for a good harvest and good luck. At the same time, traditional ceremonies such as ancestor worship and tomb sweeping are also emphasized, expressing thoughts and respect for deceased relatives.