The beginning of spring, as the first of the 24 solar terms, carries the deep insight of the ancient Chinese into the laws of nature. Today, this solar term is not only the first festival after the Lunar New Year, but also the beginning of a celebration of the revival and vitality of all things. From ancient times to the present, the significance of the beginning of spring has a unique and far-reaching influence on Chinese culture, and its celebration methods and customs also reflect the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese nation.
In the traditional concept, the beginning of spring represents the beginning of winter and spring, the beginning of a new year, the gradual rise of yang energy in nature, and the beginning of the germination and growth of all things. The ancestors of China regarded this period as an auspicious beginning, so the celebration of the beginning of spring was full of anticipation and respect.
The custom of celebrating the beginning of spring has different manifestations throughout China. In the north, for example, spring cakes and spring rolls are the traditional food of this day. In Beijing, you will see that every household has prepared paper-thin spring cakes, with a variety of fresh vegetables and sauces, rolled up and eaten in a bite, which means "bite the spring", symbolizing the beginning of the year to "bite the green mountains and not relax". According to the Beijing Evening News, the sales of spring cakes in the beginning of spring can increase by nearly 30% compared with usual, which shows its popularity.
In addition to eating spring cakes, there are some other interesting customs of the beginning of spring. For example, in some areas of Shandong, farmers will hold the activity of "whipping spring cattle" on the day of the beginning of spring. The so-called "spring ox" is usually a cow-shaped frame made of bamboo or wicker, which is carried by the villagers through the streets and alleys on the day of the beginning of spring, and then whipped to pray for a good harvest and smooth farming in the new year. According to the statistics of the Shandong Folklore Society, the number of people participating in the spring cattle whipping activity is increasing every year, and it has become one of the indispensable cultural activities in the local area.
In southern regions such as Guangdong, there is a tradition of "herald spring", in which a group of children go door-to-door to send spring blessings, and the host will give the children some pastries or small gifts as a token of gratitude. This format not only promotes communication between neighbors, but also allows children to experience the charm of traditional culture. According to data provided by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, in recent years, the number of citizens who have participated in the cultural celebration of the beginning of spring through the "Spring Herald" activity has exceeded hundreds of thousands.
The beginning of spring is not only a solar term, but also a cultural phenomenon. It reflects the Chinese's respect for and compliance with the laws of nature, and also shows people's hopes and prayers for a future life. Nowadays, with the acceleration of the pace of life, many ancient customs have gradually been forgotten, but the celebration of the beginning of spring is still active in people's lives. Whether it is traditional foods such as spring cakes and spring rolls, or folk performances such as whipping spring cattle, they are constantly being inherited and developed, so that more people can understand and attach importance to the cultural connotation of this solar term.
As an important part of China's ancient solar term system, the cultural significance and celebration of the beginning of spring still play an important role in contemporary society. Through the awe and gratitude for nature, we can not only experience the beauty brought by the change of solar terms, but also deeply feel the breadth and profundity of Chinese culture. The beginning of spring is not only a change of seasons, but also an awakening of culture and soul.