Lichun season — Beginning of Spring

Winter gradually, though with difficulty, gives up its position; yet the imminent victory of spring is inevitable. It is said that life begins when water has risen. Spring is like a tree; it grows with water. Rain begins after winter. There will be more rain in the summer. 

In China, the Lichun season (立春 Beginning of Spring) usually starts between February 3rd and 5th, and according to the Chinese calendar, it coincides with the beginning of the Tiger month. This marks the first season among the 4 seasons of the Chinese calendar , and the beginning of the Chinese New Year. Lichun ends around February 17th-18th, giving way to the Yushui season – Rain.

CLIMATE

The first minor season of the Chinese agricultural calendar begins with a thaw, with an eastern wind blowing, and young grass beginning to emerge under the trees. The morning song of birds praises the efforts of spring, which struggled towards us through a long winter and yet prevailed, despite all the threats of the gray winter.

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TRADITIONS

Several folk traditions and customs are associated with the spring festival in China:

1. Ritual tearing of the sacrificial "spring ox"

An alive ox, later replaced by its paper or clay replica, was beaten with sticks to make it work hard. The beating was done to wish for a bountiful harvest and all blessings to the village chief. Then the figure was torn apart. The remnants of the ox figurine served as talismans bringing wealth to the household. The ceremony aimed to stimulate land cultivation and production development.

2. Preparation of traditional Chinese pancakes "Chunbing" (they are slightly thicker than our pancakes) and special fried tubes with filling "Chunzjuan".

These pancakes were made from wheat flour and were fried or steamed cakes. They were filled with bean sprouts, young garlic, and potato noodles. Eating such pancakes is called "yaochun", which translates to "taste the spring". These treats symbolize the eager anticipation of Spring, the anticipation of New Life.

3. Making bright "spring roosters" from cotton fabric.

It is believed that this talisman brings luck in business to the owner and health to the children.

HEALTH

Spring is a phase of birth, and it is during this period that the foundation of physical and emotional health is laid. Maintain your emotional state with inner calmness and balance.

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In the spring you should wrap up, but in the fall you can freeze, and you won't suffer from various illnesses in the future" says a famous Chinese proverb. From this, it follows that one should not rush to switch to light clothing in spring; it is necessary to gradually adapt one's body to the changing seasons – from cold to warm.

With the coming of the Lichun season, male Yang energy begins to rise, and we must adapt to changes in nature, so it is advisable to gradually increase the intensity of physical activity.

NUTRITION

Regarding nutrition, it is important to consider that spring is the season of wood, corresponding to the functional Liver and Gallbladder system. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is recommended to gradually reduce the consumption of sour and salty foods during spring, excess of which can lead to liver and kidney problems. Spicy, astringent, and bitter tastes will calm the liver.

In conclusion, it is worth saying that "there is no winter that lasts forever, and no spring that does not come."