What is the spring equinox? What are the customs?

The spring equinox is one of the 24 solar terms in China, which usually falls between March 20 or 21 on the Gregorian calendar. During the spring equinox, the weather starts to warm up, the earth begins to recover, everything starts to grow, and people start to feel the breath of spring. The spring equinox is also an important festival in traditional Chinese culture, and there are many customs associated with it.

1. Trekking

The spring equinox, with its favorable temperature, is a good time for trekking. People would choose to go to the countryside or parks on or near the spring equinox for trekking and playing, to feel the breath of spring, and at the same time, to exercise and strengthen their bodies.

2. Tomb Sweeping

The spring equinox, which is also the day before the Qingming Festival, is a time for ancestor worship and tomb sweeping. People will go to the graves of their ancestors and offer flowers, food and paper money to express their admiration and longing for their ancestors. In addition, some other places will hold rituals on the day of the spring equinox to pray for the ancestors to bless the family with peace and happiness.

3. Eating Green Dumplings

On the spring equinox, people have another traditional food - green dumplings. Green dumplings are a kind of food made of glutinous rice flour, which is wrapped with fillings such as bean paste and mung beans, and coated with green plant juice on the outside. Eating green dumplings is a traditional custom during the spring equinox, which means "trekking on the green, eating green, good health".

4. Sunbathing

Spring equinox is a good time for sunbathing as the sun starts to get warmer. People will choose to spend time outdoors in the sun on or near the spring equinox to promote good health and strengthen the immune system.

5. Willow sticking

Willow sticking is a spring equinox custom in the southern region. On or near the spring equinox, people will go to the side of the road or the field to collect some willow, and then insert it into the door or window of the house, which symbolizes the happiness and peace of the family.

In short, the spring equinox is an important festival with many customs related to it. These customs are not only people's welcome and celebration of spring, but also their respect and gratitude for life and nature.