1. Climate & Natural Phenomena
Lichun (Start of Spring) is the 1st solar term in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, usually occurring around February 3 to 5. It signals the end of deep winter and the gradual return of warmth and daylight across East Asia.
Ancient Chinese phenology divided Start of Spring into three distinctive micro-seasons (Penthads / 三候):
东风解冻 Gentle easterly winds begin to thaw the frozen lands and rivers.
蛰虫始振 Hibernating insects and animals stir in their winter burrows.
鱼陟负冰 Fish swim upward toward the surface as remaining pond ice breaks apart.
2. Lifestyle, Diet & Customs
To celebrate the arrival of spring and ward off late winter chills, people practice vibrant seasonal traditions passed down through generations.
🍵 Diet & Health
Traditional Chinese dietary wisdom emphasizes protecting the liver and encouraging the smooth flow of Qi (energy) during Lichun. Pungent and sweet greens are preferred:
- Biting Spring (咬春): Eating raw radishes on Lichun day is believed to ward off seasonal illnesses and refresh the body.
- Spring Pancakes (春饼): Thin wheat pancakes wrapped around fresh seasonal vegetables like leeks, bean sprouts, and eggs.
- Spring Rolls (春卷): Crispy fried rolls stuffed with spring vegetables and meat, symbolizing gold bars and prosperity.
🏮 Folk Traditions
The most famous ancient ritual is “Whipping the Spring Ox” (打春牛). Traditionally, magistrates and farmers would beat a clay ox with colorful whips to awaken the earth, encourage agricultural diligence, and pray for a bountiful harvest year.
📜 Classic Poetry
Poets loved Lichun for its message of hope and renewal. Here is a famous verse celebrating the earliest spring breezes:
《立春小偶》 — 陆游 (Song Dynasty)
暖日催花次第开，春向早梅花上回。
(The warm sun urges blossoms to open one by one; spring makes its very first return upon the early plum branches.)
3. Agricultural Wisdom
In rural farming communities, an old proverb states: “Lichun brings weather warm and mild, time to plow the fields for every child.”
As the frost softens, farmers begin inspecting irrigation systems, preparing seeds, and planning the annual planting cycle. It is the defining moment of agricultural preparation.