The second solar term in the 24 solar terms of the lunar calendar every year, rain, marks the gradual departure of the cold and dry weather in winter, the return of spring to the earth, and the recovery of all things. However, under this same sky, the rain festival customs in the south and the north are very different and have their own characteristics.
In the south, the arrival of the rainy season heralds the arrival of spring rains. Southerners have had an indissoluble bond with water since ancient times, and the characteristics of water towns have made them form a unique custom in the rain season. Southerners worship the dragon king on this day and pray for good weather and abundant crops throughout the year. In addition, there are customs such as "receiving spring" and "stepping into the green", and people go out of their homes to welcome the arrival of spring.
In the north, the arrival of the rainy season heralds the melting of snow and ice and the gradual awakening of the earth. On this day, northerners worship their ancestors and pray for their blessings for family harmony and career success in the new year. In addition, there is also the custom of "sending winter clothes" in the north, where people will burn paper money and winter clothes for their ancestors on this day, meaning to send away the cold winter and welcome the warm spring. Although there are differences in the rain festival customs between the north and the south, they all convey people's yearning for a better life and their awe for nature. These customs have been passed down over the years and have become a unique cultural symbol of the Chinese nation. The rain festival custom in the south is like the water town in the south of the Yangtze River, gentle and soft. The customs of worshipping the dragon king, receiving spring, and stepping on the green all reflect the southerners' admiration for water and love for spring. They use these customs to express their gratitude to nature and also pray for good luck throughout the year. In contrast, the rain festival customs in the north are more rugged and rustic. Worship ancestors, give winter clothes and other customs, reflecting the northerners' respect for ancestors and farewell to winter. They use these customs to express their remembrance of their ancestors, and at the same time pray for family harmony and career success in the new year. The different customs of the rain season in the north and south are like a beautiful picture, showing the unique culture formed by our Chinese nation in harmony with nature. These customs not only make us feel the strong regional customs, but also let us deeply understand people's yearning for a better life and awe of nature. In modern society, we may have moved away from farming, but these ancient customs still hold an important place in our hearts. Let's inherit these customs together, let them shine more brightly in the new era, and add a unique charm to our lives.