Why is the vernal equinox an important traditional festival?

First of all, the vernal equinox is one of the 24 solar terms, which is in the middle of March in the solar calendar, usually in February or early March in the lunar calendar. Because on the vernal equinox, the sun passes through the equator in a straight line, and the northern and southern hemispheres are equally divided day and night. Sunlight exposure time and temperature are suitable, which is the season of vitality and recovery of all things. In China, the vernal equinox is an important traditional festival, and it is also the source of some local folk customs, with rich and colorful celebration methods and customs.

In some areas in the south, people will regard the vernal equinox as a day to worship their ancestors, burn incense and sweep, remember their ancestors seriously and solemnly, and be grateful for the food, clothing, housing, transportation and life foundation that their ancestors brought them. In the northeast and north, there is a custom called "offering sacrifices to the sun". People will set up altars in the farmyard, light incense to worship the god of agriculture, and pray for a bumper harvest and peace. In some religious temples, the vernal equinox is also an important day for dharma and blessing. Believers will come to burn incense and paper, recite scriptures and incantations, practice good deeds and pursue spiritual stability and detachment.

Besides ancestor worship, sun worship and blessing, there are many other customs and activities on the vernal equinox. In the south of the Yangtze River, people like to pick buds, make tea and taste before and after the vernal equinox and solar terms, and feel the freshness and fragrance of spring. In the southwest of China, people will hold spring ploughing ceremonies to worship their ancestors, dress up, sing folk songs, dance and pass parcels to celebrate the harvest and ecological nature. In Henan, Shaanxi and other places, people will hold a lively "egg laying" competition, and put the erected eggs on a horizontal plane to see who can stick to it for the longest time, symbolizing good luck and all the best.

In addition, there are many customs related to diet in the vernal equinox. According to legend, on the vernal equinox, eating green vegetables can clear away heat and detoxify and nourish the liver; Eating sweet-scented osmanthus glutinous rice paste can increase human yang; Eating fresh and colorful food, such as spring rolls, candy and jiaozi, can add festive atmosphere to the festival. In Guangxi and Hainan, people will celebrate the "Coconut Flower Festival", make sugar cakes and Sugar-Coated Berry and other special snacks with fresh coconuts and brown sugar, and enjoy moderate sweetness and joy.

In short, the vernal equinox is a solar term with rich cultural connotations, and different regions have their own unique ways and customs to celebrate it. In the process of celebrating the vernal equinox, people express their awe and gratitude for nature, life, ancestors and beliefs, and also show the spirit of holiday reunion, happy life and pursuit of quality.