What is the vernal equinox?

The vernal equinox is one of the 24 solar terms, which falls around March 20th every year. On this day, day and night are equal, and the sun crosses the equator from south to north. The vernal equinox is one of the important festivals in lunar spring. Here are some vernal equinox customs:

1. Grave-sweeping: The vernal equinox is one of the traditional festivals to sweep graves. People will go to the graves of their ancestors, pay homage to them and tidy up their graves.

2. Arbor Day: The solar term of the vernal equinox is also Arbor Day in China, on which everyone will plant trees.

3. Have a reunion dinner: After the spring equinox and solar terms, the weather is getting warmer because of the increase in sunshine, so people make reunion dinners to pray for a bumper harvest and health.

4. Hanging willow branches: After the vernal equinox and solar terms, willows can be seen everywhere, and people will hang willow branches in front of the door to symbolize the arrival of spring.

5. ancestor worship: the vernal equinox is also a festival for clan families to worship their ancestors. People will pay homage to their ancestors and sincerely pray for their blessing and protection.

6. Spring outing and flower viewing: The vernal equinox season is the time when everything wakes up and flowers bloom. People will enjoy flowers and swim in spring and enjoy the beauty of spring.

In addition to the above customs, there are many vernal equinox customs in various places. For example, in some places, people will also "pick green trees" and "race dragon boats". These vernal equinox customs also reflect people's awe of nature, love and expectation for spring.