Understanding of the Meaning of Vernal Equinox

The spring equinox is understood to be a period of time in spring that is divided into equal parts of day and night, and a balance of cold and heat.

The vernal equinox is one of the twenty-four solar terms in the lunar calendar, and usually occurs around March 20 (or possibly March 21) each year. It marks the official start of spring and is the day when the sun is directly above the Earth's equator. The word equinox means "the middle part of spring," which means that the day and night are of equal length.

The arrival of the vernal equinox means that the cold winter will soon be over and the warm spring will soon be upon us. On this day, the days begin to get longer and the nights shorter. After the vernal equinox, the sun's point of direct sunlight will slowly move northward, and people in the southern hemisphere will welcome fall.

The spring equinox has an important place in traditional Chinese culture. We often say, "Spring Equinox and Autumn Equinox, Harvest Time," meaning that the spring equinox is a good time for farmers to start their spring farming. At this time, there is enough sunshine and the temperature is suitable, which are favorable conditions for the growth of all kinds of plants. Farmers would start sowing their crops at the spring equinox to prepare for a good harvest in the coming year.

On the occasion of the spring equinox, people also have a traditional custom of sweeping tombs and paying homage to their ancestors. This custom has a long history, and people will visit the graves of their ancestors, clean up the graves, and offer flowers, food and wine to express their remembrance and respect for their ancestors. This is not only a way of honoring the ancestors, but also a way of thinking and feeling about life and kinship.

The spring equinox is also a good time for people to go trekking and play. As the temperature rises, nature begins to awaken with flowers and green grass. People can go to the countryside or parks and enjoy the beauty of spring. Take a walk, have a picnic, fly a kite together and feel the energy and vitality of nature.

Besides in China, the spring equinox is celebrated in many cultures around the world with similar customs. In Japan, for example, the spring equinox is known as "Higan" and is one of the major festivals of Japanese Buddhism. People visit temples to pray and offer food and flowers, wishing their departed loved ones peace on the other side of the world.

Significance of the Vernal Equinox

The vernal equinox is an important time that symbolizes the change of seasons and the continuation of life. On this day, people feel the arrival of spring and the changes in nature. Whether it is the joy of farming, the solemnity of rituals, or the joy of trekking, the spring equinox symbolizes hope and new beginnings. Let's *** together look forward to the arrival of spring and welcome a beautiful moment in the cycle of seasons.