Spring Equinox (Audio/Xinhua)

The Spring Equinox, or "Chunfen" in Chinese pinyin, is the fourth of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar, and begins on March 20 this year.

The Spring Equinox is a balanced solar term, because on the day of Spring Equinox, the sun is at the celestial latitude of zero degrees (the equator), resulting in an equal length of the day and night time. After the Spring Equinox, days grow longer, and the rising temperature gives people a real sense of the spring.

The Chinese lunar calendar divides the Spring Equinox into three phases. In the first phase, swallows begin to migrate northward as the weather becomes warmer. In the second phase, there tends to be more thunder when it rains. In the third phase, lighting starts to occur more frequently.

Vegetables

As Chinese scholar Confucius advocated, "do not eat unseasonal food ." (不时不食) Spring Equinox is a time to enjoy "Spring Vegetables".

Xiang Chun (Chinese toona sinensis) with fried eggs

"Spring Vegetables" differ in different areas of China, which usually refer to green and fresh vegetables that have the best taste in the spring. For example, people in northern China prefer to enjoy Xiang Chun (Chinese toona sinensis) with fried eggs, while many regions along Yangtze River start to collect bamboo shoots and Xian Cai (edible amaranth): the former one is popular for stewing soup and the latter one is famous for the red juice after cooking.

Bamboo shoots

In general, most “Spring Vegetables” are of excellent quality and nutrition, increasing people’s appetite and supply wholesome vitamins and minerals. Also, eating "Spring Vegetables" has been considered as a way to pray for peace and happiness for the whole family since ancient China.

In northern cities such as Beijing and Tianjin, it is a custom to eat "Sun Cake" at the Spring Equinox. This traditional pastry is made of glutinous rice flour and date fillings, and is used to be offerings in the sacrificial rites. Because in ancient China, imperial families held grand ceremonies to worship the sun during the Spring Equinox.

Vitality

People start to attend more outdoor activities during the Spring Equinox, especially enjoying the flowers. Plum blossoms and camellias across hills and fields attract visitors to stroll and pose for photos. Cherry blossoms begin to blossom from south to north in China, which forms a “pink front line” across the country and it is one of the cyber stars blossoms in recent years. It can be seen in many places where youngsters enjoy cheery blossoms while wearing traditional costumes.

Flying kites is another popular outdoor activity during this time. Some cities hold kite festivals and contests to attract tourists. As an intangible heritage of China, flying kites is not only regarded as a way of outdoor exercising, but as a craftsmanship that represents traditional Chinese folk art. Nowadays, many distinct and creative shapes of kites easily go viral on social media during the springtime.

Standing an egg upright is a popular game across the country during the Spring Equinox. [Photo by Ji Zhe/Asianewsphoto via China Daily]

Vision

Chinese people believe that “the whole year's plan depends on a good start in spring”. In this beautiful season, the whole country embraces new chapters with hope and vigor.

Source: Xinhua
Photos: Xinhua
Editor: Lv Yun