Chunfen- The Mid-point Of Spring's Journey To Summer
Mar 21, 2023
As one of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar, Chunfen or Spring Equinox marks the mid-point of spring's journey to summer. It usually falls on the 20th or 21st of March when the sun is exactly above the equator and the day and night are of equal length. From then on, the days will be longer, and the temperatures will gradually warm up, resulting in new growth and blooming flowers across the country.
The word Chunfen comes from the combination of two Chinese characters, chun meaning spring, and fen meaning equal. During the Spring Equinox, the world transitions from the cold winter to the warm spring, and the yang energy starts to grow as the yin energy decreases. This is why Chunfen is also known as the balance of yin and yang, and it is believed to be a crucial day for cultivating good health, balance, and harmony between oneself and the environment.
People in China celebrate Chunfen in many different ways. In the southern parts of China, people enjoy eating green rice dumplings and planting crops such as rice or corn, as it symbolizes new beginnings and prosperity. While in northern parts of China, people would have the tradition of eating spinach and tofu, which are believed to balance yin and yang in our bodies. On this day, it is also common for families to visit ancestral graves to pay their respects and offer sacrifices to their ancestors.
Apart from Chunfen, other traditional customs and festivals are associated with spring. The most famous one is the Qingming Festival that falls on April 4th or 5th every year, where people sweep the tombs of their ancestors and offer food, wine, and other tributes. Other spring festivals include the Hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Japan, the Holi Festival in India, the Easter holiday in Western cultures, and the Ching Ming Jie in Taiwan.
In conclusion, Chunfen marks the meaningful transition of the seasons and the balance of yin and yang in nature. It is a time for renewal, growth, and new beginnings – a time to throw away the old and welcome the new. Let's embrace this season of the year and take some time to appreciate the beauty of nature and all the wonders it brings us each spring.
