Vernal Equinox （春分 chunfen）
The Vernal equinox is the fourth of the 24 solar terms and marks the midpoint of the 90 days of spring.
Time and Celestial Phenomena
- Date: March 20th or 21st of the Gregorian calendar each year.
- Celestial Phenomena: The sun reaches the celestial longitude of 0 degrees and shines directly on the Earth’s equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. After the Spring Equinox, the sun’s direct rays gradually shift northward, causing longer days and shorter nights in the Northern Hemisphere.
Climate Characteristics
- During the Spring Equinox, most parts of China enter a bright and vibrant spring, with rising temperatures and increased rainfall.
- This season is characterized by blooming flowers, green willows, growing grass, and vibrant displays of peach, plum, and forsythia blossoms, creating a scene of flourishing vitality.
- However, due to frequent exchanges of cold and warm air currents, the weather can be quite variable. It’s important to be aware of the “sudden warmth followed by cold” and adjust clothing accordingly.
Agricultural Activities
- The Spring Equinox is a crucial time for spring plowing. Farmers are busy with spring sowing and planting.
- Additionally, this season is an important time for tea picking, with new tea leaves being harvested to produce tender tip teas.
Traditional Customs
- Worshipping the Sun: In ancient times, emperors had rituals for worshipping the sun in spring and the moon in autumn. Starting from the Zhou Dynasty, the “worship of the sun at the altar” was performed on the Spring Equinox.
- Egg Balancing: On the Spring Equinox, millions of people worldwide participate in the “egg balancing” experiment.
- Eating Spring Vegetables: During the Spring Equinox, there’s a custom of eating spring vegetables, which generally refers to seasonal vegetables.
- Presenting Spring Oxen: During the Spring Equinox, people create spring ox pictures and give them as gifts, symbolizing the start of spring plowing and praying for a bountiful harvest.
Health Preservation Tips
- During the Spring Equinox, it’s important to maintain a cheerful mood and avoid emotional fluctuations.
- The diet should be light, with plenty of fruits and vegetables, and less spicy and stimulating foods.
- Engage in appropriate outdoor activities to strengthen the body.
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