What does hibernation mean?

It means the beginning of spring thunder, which awakens the dormant insects that lie underground for the winter. Hibernation is one of the traditional Chinese festivals, indicating that spring has begun and everything is beginning to wake up. It usually falls on March 5 or 6 every year, when the sun reaches 345 degrees of the yellow meridian, and is called hibernation. During this festival, the weather gradually turns warmer, snow and ice melt, spring thunder begins to sound, and dormant animals begin to wake up and move around. It was also an important period for ancient Chinese farmers to plow and plant crops, and was the beginning of spring plowing.

I. There are many different stories and legends about the origin of the Hibernation holiday.

One theory is that it originated from ancient farmers' observations of climate change in spring. They found that at the beginning of March every year, the temperature began to rise, spring thunder began to sound, and spring plowing activities began in the farmland. In honor of this season, people called it "hibernation," meaning "the beginning of the awakening of dormant animals.

There are also some legends and myths related to hibernation. It is said that in ancient times, there was a sacred animal called "hibernation", which would blow spring thunderbolts every year when it woke up in the spring, causing the earth to awaken and everything to revive. Therefore, people call this festival "Hibernation" to honor and worship it.

No matter which way you look at it, hibernation is one of the most important festivals in traditional Chinese culture, reflecting the ancient people's observation and understanding of the natural environment, as well as their yearning and prayers for life, spring and hope.

Second, hibernation customs:

Prevention of disease with "three vasoprosthesis": After hibernation, the weather is gradually warming up, people are susceptible to a variety of diseases. In order to prevent diseases, some places will start sticking "Sanfu Paste" in the hibernation season, which is used to ward off evil spirits and drive away the cold.

Posting spring scrolls and festive decorations: During the hibernation season, people will post spring scrolls, hang lanterns and various colorful decorations to celebrate the holiday. These decorations usually have words such as "blessing", "spring" and "wealth", signifying a good omen to welcome spring.

Eating Spring Diet: After the hibernation, the temperature gradually rises, and people start to eat some light, healthful spring diets, such as vegetables, fruits and beans. They also make some special hibernation food, such as toad soup and hibernation mutton.

Enjoying Spring Scenery: The hibernation season is a good time to enjoy flowers, and many places have grand flower fairs and flower shows. During this season, people can enjoy a variety of beautiful flowers such as cherry blossoms, peach blossoms and apricot blossoms.

Sacrifices and Religious Activities: Some places will hold sacrifices during the season of hibiscus, such as ancestor worship, sacrifices to heaven, and praying for a good harvest. Meanwhile, some religious groups will also hold celebration ceremonies in this festival, such as Buddhist hibernation puja and Taoist blessing ceremony.