Stinging custom

Sting is the third of the 24 solar terms and the first solar term in spring, which usually appears on March 5 or 6. In the traditional culture of China, the fright represents the beginning of spring, and also symbolizes the awakening of all things on the earth and the beginning of spring ploughing. At the same time, it is also an important folk festival with various traditional customs. ?

First of all, it is the time when the spring thunder begins to ring. People should pray for the blessing of Lei Gong to ward off evil spirits and keep their homes safe. In some places, people will burn incense and worship the land gods and ancestors on this day to express their gratitude. ?

Secondly, it is also a traditional spring sericulture festival, which means to start sericulture. In some rural areas, people will hold a silkworm sacrifice ceremony on the day of fright, in order to bless the cocoon to break out and grow smoothly. ?

In addition, there are some dietary customs in Beijing and Zhejiang. For example, in Hunan and Guangxi, people will eat horseshoe cakes on this day to welcome the arrival of spring. In Zhejiang, people will eat spring cakes and make them with new wheat flour, which is delicious and symbolizes the beginning and hope of a new year. ?