A thunderclap awakens creatures, spring plowing begins anew
Jingzhe, the third of the twenty-four solar terms, marks the beginning of mid-spring. Falling on March 5-7 each year when the sun reaches 345° of ecliptic longitude, Jingzhe literally means "awakening of insects." The character "Jing" (惊) signifies awakening, while "Zhe" (蛰) refers to dormancy. Jingzhe represents the moment when spring thunder stirs and awakens the insects that have been hibernating underground.
During Jingzhe, spring energy stirs and nature displays a vibrant landscape of vitality. The weather becomes warmer, and spring thunder begins to rumble. Animals that entered hibernation in winter, living dormant underground without eating or drinking (called "zhe"), are awakened by the spring thunder—this is the essence of "Jingzhe." At this time, most regions of China enter the spring planting season, and the fields bustle with activity.
First Aspect - Peach Blossoms Begin to Bloom: Peach flowers start to open, with pink blooms adorning the branches and spring vitality evident everywhere.
Second Aspect - Orioles Begin to Sing: Yellow orioles begin their clear, melodious calls, like messengers announcing the arrival of spring.
Third Aspect - Eagles Become Doves: Eagles and hawks, sensing the warmth of spring, become gentle and calm like doves.
Rest: Go to bed early and rise early, maintaining adequate sleep. Gradually increase outdoor activities and stretch your muscles and bones. Pay attention to adjusting clothing to prevent spring influenza.
Diet: Favor a light diet with pears, water chestnuts, spinach, and celery and other seasonal foods. Minimize spicy and irritating foods. Include foods that nourish the liver such as goji berries and jujubes. Drink plenty of water to maintain proper hydration.
Exercise: Outdoor activities like spring outings, jogging, playing ball, and kite-flying are suitable. Exercise moderately—avoid excessive sweating; light perspiration is ideal.
Emotions: Maintain emotional stability and a peaceful mindset. Spring is the season to nourish the liver; focus on coursing liver qi and avoid mood swings and irritability.
Sacrificing to the White Tiger: On Jingzhe day, folk traditions involve sacrificing to the White Tiger to resolve disputes and seek safety and good fortune. Legend holds that the White Tiger is the god of gossip and accusations, who emerges on Jingzhe each year seeking food and speaking harmful words.
Beating the Small Person: In Guangdong and Hong Kong, people "beat the small person" on Jingzhe—striking paper figures symbolizing villains with a shoe sole—to drive away bad luck and seek smooth sailing.
Eating Pears: Eating pears on Jingzhe symbolizes "leaving," as in departing from illness, bringing wishes for health. Folk tradition holds that eating pears on Jingzhe keeps one energetic all year.
Covering Drum Skins: In ancient times, a "drum skin covering" ceremony was held on Jingzhe to awaken all things. Traditional belief holds that Jingzhe's thunder is the sound of the heavenly drum.
Jingzhe is a solar term reflecting natural phenological phenomena, marking the beginning of mid-spring. This solar term is characterized by spring thunder stirring, rising temperatures, and increased rainfall.
Astronomical Significance: At Jingzhe, the sun reaches 345° of ecliptic longitude. The sun's direct rays continue to move from the Southern Hemisphere toward the Northern Hemisphere. Northern Hemisphere temperatures continue to rise, daylight hours increase, and spring's vitality grows ever stronger.
Agricultural Guidance: Jingzhe is a crucial period for spring planting. A farming saying goes: "When Jingzhe arrives, the hoe never rests." Temperatures rise significantly at this time. Most areas of the Yangtze River valley have entered the spring planting season, while South China begins sowing early rice.
