Do you know the custom of vernal equinox?

The vernal equinox is the fourth of the twenty-four solar terms, which usually appears around March 20th every year. In the traditional culture of China, the vernal equinox represents the symbol of the revival of everything and the coming of spring, so there are also many customs and activities related to the vernal equinox.

First of all, during the vernal equinox, many places have the custom of sweeping graves. People will go to the graves of their ancestors, clean the graves and offer wreaths, food and other items to express their thoughts and memories of their deceased relatives. At this time, people will also set off paper money, red candles and other things in front of the grave to show their respect and blessing to their ancestors.

Besides sweeping graves, there are other customs in the vernal equinox. For example, in Taizhou, Zhejiang, people will eat "vernal equinox cake" on the day of vernal equinox, which is a dessert made of glutinous rice flour. It's delicious and symbolic of welcoming spring. In Jiangxi, Hunan and other places, people will make "spring tea", which is a specially processed tea with a fragrant smell. You can feel the breath of spring when you drink it.

In addition to eating customs, there are some customs related to sports activities during the vernal equinox. For example, in Mentougou District of Beijing, a long-distance race called "Spring Marathon" is held every year on the day of the vernal equinox. Hundreds of runners, wearing bright sportswear and badges, are running between Shan Ye, which is full of spring vigor and vitality.

In short, the vernal equinox is a solar term full of hope and celebration, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of spring, and it is also an important moment for people to remember their ancestors and pray for the blessing of the gods. We should cherish such traditional culture and customs and let them continue to be passed down and carried forward in modern society.