Spring breeze brings warmth, all things awaken
Lichun, the first of the twenty-four solar terms, marks the beginning of spring. Falling on February 3-5 each year when the sun reaches 315° of ecliptic longitude, Lichun literally means "the beginning of spring." The character "Li" (立) signifies commencement, while "Spring" (春) represents warmth and growth. Lichun signals that the season of revival and vibrant life has arrived.
Lichun is a crucial turning point in the year, indicating that the cold winter is coming to an end and warm spring is beginning. Although temperatures remain unstable at this time, the earth begins to thaw and dormant things are poised to sprout and grow. There is a folk saying "Spring breaks through the sixth nine," suggesting that Lichun typically falls during the sixth period of the "nine-day" winter count.
First Aspect - East Wind Thaws Ice: The east wind brings warmth, and the earth begins to thaw.
Second Aspect - Hibernating Insects Stir: Insects dormant in their burrows slowly awaken.
Third Aspect - Fish Rise Beneath Ice: Ice in rivers and streams begins to melt, and fish start to appear at the water's surface.
Rest: Go to bed early and rise early, with moderate increase in outdoor activities. Practice "spring covering"—do not shed clothing too quickly to prevent late-spring chill.
Diet: Consume warming foods that supplement yang energy, such as Chinese chives, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. Include warming and dispersing ingredients like scallions, ginger, and garlic to assist yang qi in flourishing.
Exercise: Stretch your muscles and bones through outdoor activities like walking, jogging, and kite-flying. Avoid strenuous exercise.
Emotions: Maintain a cheerful disposition and avoid depression. Since liver qi is vigorous in spring, focus on coursing the liver and regulating qi.
Biting Spring: On Lichun day, people eat spring pancakes, spring rolls, and bite into radishes—a practice called "biting spring" that symbolizes welcoming the new season.
Striking the Spring Ox: In ancient times, colorful earthen oxen were used to pray for good harvests on Lichun. This later evolved into the folk practice of "striking the spring ox."
Welcoming Spring: On the day before Lichun, local officials would lead people to the outskirts to welcome the spring deity and perform spring welcoming ceremonies.
Pasting Spring Characters: People cut out the character "spring" (春) and paste it on doors and windows, or write spring couplets, expressing good wishes for spring and the new year.
Lichun is the first of the twenty-four solar terms and held a special place in ancient times. Since the Qin Dynasty, China has recognized Lichun as the beginning of spring.
Astronomical Significance: At Lichun, the sun reaches 315° of ecliptic longitude. In the Northern Hemisphere, days begin to lengthen and nights shorten. The sun's direct rays begin to move northward, and temperatures gradually rise.
Calendar Status: In ancient times, Lichun marked the beginning of the year—the true start of the new year. Lichun, along with Lixia (beginning of summer), Liqiu (beginning of autumn), and Lidong (beginning of winter), are known as the "Four Beginnings," marking the commencement of each season.
