China has a long history and culture, and countless unique traditional customs have emerged. They not only reflect the way of life of the ancient Chinese people, but also contain rich cultural values and deep social meanings. Among them, "hiding from spring" is a little-known but interesting traditional habit. This article will give you a comprehensive interpretation of the meaning, origin, practice and inheritance and development of "dodging spring" in modern society.
Lichun, one of the 24 solar terms, "Li" is the meaning of "beginning", Lichun is the beginning of spring, and the sun reaches 315 degrees of ecliptic longitude on February 4 or 5 every year for the beginning of spring. "Seventy-two Candidate Explanations of the Lunar Order": "The first lunar festival, standing, and the beginning of the establishment." Summer, autumn and winter are the same. In ancient times, "Sili" refers to the beginning of the four seasons of spring, summer, autumn and winter, and its agricultural significance is "spring planting, summer growth, autumn harvest, and winter storage", which summarizes the whole process of the relationship between agricultural production and climate in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. China has a vast territory, complex geographical conditions, and great differences in climate in various places, and the length of the four seasons. The soil thawing date in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River starts from the beginning of spring. The first candidate for the beginning of spring should be the "east wind thaw", the two are basically the same, but as a sign of the beginning of spring, it is too early. In Chinese climatology, the beginning of spring is often defined as the beginning of spring when the average daily temperature of every five days is stable at more than 10, which is inconsistent with the meaning of the beginning of spring in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. In late February, only southern China really entered spring. However, this division method is more realistic. After the beginning of spring, the temperature rises, and the busy season of spring ploughing begins in most parts of the country.
The tradition of "hiding from spring" can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty and even earlier. According to historical records, the nobles and royalty held a series of celebrations and ceremonies during the Spring Festival to show respect and anticipation for the coming spring. With the passage of time, this custom gradually spread to the people, and became a symbolic act of ordinary people eager to seek good fortune through refuge.
In ancient times, there are many ways to "hide from spring", hiding spring is also called hiding Tai Sui, according to his Tiangan commemoration, after the beginning of spring, it is to enter the 2024 Jiachen Dragon Year, after the beginning of the spring is born belongs to the dragon baby, 2024 Jiachen Dragon Year is the zodiac of Tai Sui, dragon, dog, rabbit, cow, the specific form changes with the different times and regions. From 4 p.m. on February 4, 2024 to 6 p.m. on February 5, 2024. During this time, it is best to stay in the room and not go out, and do not open the door to welcome guests, so as not to let others disturb you. In the process of hiding from spring, don't do anything, such as playing games on your mobile phone, watching dramas on the computer, etc., let alone playing **, waiting quietly. In addition to the above mentioned things that cannot be done, you can meditate quietly in the room, read a book, write, or draw, etc., this kind of activity is conducive to emotional problems and physical and mental peace.
In some areas, special items are set up in the home to ward off evil spirits, such as hanging charms, placing various mascots, or offering to Tai Sui Xingjun. In some places, rituals are also held during the Chinese New Year to protect family members from disasters and illnesses the following year.
In modern times, although the tradition of "hiding from spring" is not as common as it was in ancient times, there are still some regions where such a custom is preserved. Many people choose to travel during the Spring Festival, seeing it as a form of modern "spring avoidance", believing that they can relax their mood, drive away unfavorable breath, and welcome the arrival of the New Year through travel.
With the development of society and the progress of culture, many ancient customs have gradually retired from the stage of history, but "hiding spring" has been inherited and innovated by modern people in a different form. In some areas with profound cultural heritage, such as some ethnic autonomous prefectures, or ancient towns with long historical traditions, this custom is vigorously promoted and protected, and "Hiding Spring" is rejuvenated through festivals or intangible cultural heritage.
For modern people, "hiding from spring" is no longer just a way to escape bad luck, it is also a way to release stress and seek peace of mind. With the Chinese New Year holiday approaching, many people will choose to go out for a trip or take the opportunity to have a family reunion, communicate with each other and spend the festive season together. Therefore, "avoiding spring" is not only to avoid spring, but also to avoid the fatigue and anxiety in work and study, and to obtain psychological satisfaction and relaxation by changing the environment.
As one of the traditional customs in China, "Hiding Spring" carries the attitude of the ancients towards life and the reverence for nature. Although its form and content have changed with the times, its spiritual core - the pursuit of harmony and happiness has never changed. Studying and understanding "Hiding from Spring" not only allows us to better appreciate the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture, but also helps us find a sense of solace and comfort in the fast-paced modern life.