Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - Traditional customs - Are there any customs for the Spring Equinox?

Are there any customs for the Spring Equinox?

I am in Hengshui City, Hebei Province, a city in North China with a long history and rich cultural heritage. Vernal Equinox is one of the traditional Chinese festivals, and it usually occurs around March 20th in a year. On this special day, Hengshui citizens hold various forms of celebrations and traditional customs. The following are some traditional customs about the spring equinox in Hengshui City, described in detail as follows:

I. Sweeping the Tomb and Sacrificing the Ancestors On the day of the spring equinox, citizens of Hengshui will go to the graveyard of their ancestors to carry out sacrificial activities. This custom has a long history in China, and Hengshui City is no exception. Hengshui citizens will go to their ancestors' graves on this day, burn incense for their deceased relatives, and express their respect and longing for their ancestors. At the same time, they also hope that the souls of their ancestors will be at peace and blessed.

Second, eat spring vegetables The spring equinox is the middle point of spring, but also the time of year when the variety of fresh vegetables is more abundant. On this day, Hengshui citizens will collect fresh vegetables, such as tender asparagus and cauliflower, as food for the spring equinox festival. Among them, the most traditional ones are young asparagus. Hengshui citizens believe that eating spring vegetables can get rid of diseases and strengthen the body, eliminate disasters and drive away evil spirits.

Three, spring tour trekking The spring equinox festival, sunny and pleasant climate, is a good time for trekking and playing. On this day, Hengshui citizens will go to parks, scenic areas, places of interest and so on, to enjoy the beauty of spring, feel the breath of spring. At the same time, it is also a good time to promote family, friendship and love.

Four, inserting willow branches Inserting willow branches is one of the traditional customs of the spring equinox in Hengshui City. Hengshui citizens on the day of the spring equinox will go to collect soft willow branches, used to make a variety of decorative items, such as willow wreaths, willow woven baskets and so on. In addition, some schools, institutions, enterprises and institutions in Hengshui City will also use willow branches to decorate doors, windows, corridors and other places to create a strong spring atmosphere.

Five, sunshine spring sunshine is Hengshui City, another traditional custom of the spring equinox. Hengshui people believe

The custom of sunshine spring originated in ancient China, according to legend, the day of the spring equinox sunny, conducive to the growth of grass and trees, sunshine spring can promote human health. Hengshui citizens will choose this day in the sun outdoors, at the same time sunbathing clothes, mattresses and other items, also known as "spring sun".

Sixth, send spring cattle Send spring cattle is one of the traditional customs of Hengshui City Spring Equinox. On this day, Hengshui City, some of the countryside and pastoral areas will be held to send spring cow activities. During the event, people will choose a young and powerful bull, decorate it beautifully, and then drive or ride a horse and lead the bull to go from village to village, praying for a good harvest and peace.

Seven, cockfighting Cockfighting is a traditional custom of Hengshui City Spring Equinox Festival. On this day, the citizens of Hengshui will gather together and hold a cockfighting competition. In the competition, the contestants will choose to raise healthy and strong roosters and compete fiercely. It is believed that cockfighting competitions can increase the vigor and vitality of pet chickens, as well as enhance the bond between family members.

Eighth, Kite Flying Kite flying is one of the traditional spring activities in China and one of the traditional customs of Hengshui Spring Equinox Festival. On this day, Hengshui citizens will make various kites, such as phoenixes, birds, insects and dragons, and then go to parks or open meadows to fly them. It is believed that flying kites can represent the pursuit of freedom and happiness, and it is also a good opportunity for children to play and move their bodies. In conclusion, Hengshui Spring Equinox Festival has rich traditional customs and cultural heritage. These customs and culture are not only a way for people to worship their ancestors, celebrate spring, and promote family, friendship and love, but also a way to pass on and carry forward the excellent traditional culture of the Chinese nation.