The origin of vernal equinox in the twenty-four solar terms

1, vernal equinox, also known as "Japan-China", "Day and Night Minute" and "Midspring Moon" in ancient times. "Li Mingshi Yi" said: "The dividing line, the turn of Huang Chi, the sun stops here, and the day and night are equally divided." Therefore, the significance of the vernal equinox, first, refers to the equal division of day and night, each of which is 12 hours; Second, in ancient times, it was spring from beginning of spring to long summer, and the vernal equinox happened to be in the three months of spring, and spring was equally divided.

2. In ancient China, the vernal equinox was divided into three periods: "First, waiting for the arrival of birds; Second, wait for Lei Nai to make a sound; Third, wait for electricity. " In other words, after the vernal equinox, swallows will fly from the south, and when it rains, the sky will thunder and lightning.

3. The corresponding phenological phenomenon in the ancient Yellow River basin is "the arrival of a mysterious bird, the beginning of thunder and electricity" (see "Nong Sang Tong Zhi"). At this time, the overwintering crops in most parts of China entered the spring growth stage. A farmer's proverb in central China says, "Wheat rises at the vernal equinox, which is a worthwhile moment."

The vernal equinox is also a traditional festival. In the Zhou dynasty, there was a ceremony to worship the sun at the vernal equinox. Book of Rites: "Altar." Confucius' Ying Da Shu: "Also called the vernal equinox." This custom has been handed down from generation to generation.

Among the 24 solar terms, the vernal equinox was established earlier. Generally speaking, it usually refers to the date when the sun is really located at 0 degrees of the yellow meridian, that is, March 20th or March 2nd1day every year. There is also a legend about the origin of the vernal equinox. Four thousand years ago, Xi Zhong was sent by Emperor Yao to Li Xun Village, Shizhen Town, Wendeng City. After a lot of investigation and analysis, according to the astronomical phenomenon that birds and stars are seen in the south at dusk, the time of vernal equinox is determined, which lays the foundation for the determination of four seasons and the final formation of twenty-four solar terms. Xi Zhong has been to Ruogu, which is not a legend. Biography of Historical Records of Huo Zhi records that "Xi Zhong House was ordered to be destroyed by foreigners, and it was called Ruogu".

6. In fact, the spring equinox of solar terms was born in the Yellow River Basin, which is one of the 24 solar terms. We see "rain" and "fear" being inserted into the bisector between beginning of spring and the vernal equinox. These two names describe the meteorological or biological characteristics of the first half of spring.

7. It's going to rain, and the little life hiding in the ground for the winter will start to wake up when it hears the call of the sun. Between the vernal equinox and the long summer is "Qingming" and "Grain Rain".

8. We can know the climate of Tomb-Sweeping Day from "Rainy days in Tomb-Sweeping Day". Literally, we can know from Grain Rain that this is the season when crops need rain to promote their growth. Insert "Xiao Man" and "Busy" between the long summer and the summer solstice.