Jingzhe Solar Term — Awakening of Insects
The weather is getting warmer and warmer. The rolls of spring thunder wake up the insects slumbering in the ground and in their shelters. In many areas of China, peach trees bloom with pink flowers, while plum trees blossom with white flowers. Everywhere you can hear the babble of birds. Farmers begin spring sowing.
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Jingzhe Solar Term (惊蛰"Awakening of Insects," or "Awakening of Worms") is the third of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar. It begins around March 5-6, coinciding with the beginning of the Rabbit month. This is already the second month of spring, which the Chinese call "Sun-filled." Jingzhe Solar Term lasts until around March 20 when it gives way to the season of Chunfen – Spring Equinox.
CLIMATE
The air temperature gradually rises during the third lesser season of the Chinese agricultural calendar. Spring rains become more frequent and heavier, gradually turning into thunderstorms and downpours. According to ancient Chinese legend, it is the spring thunder which begins with the arrival of Jingzhe that awakens insects and animals from their winter hibernation, while the yellow wagtail calls the swallow with its song, one of the main symbols of spring. Prior to this, animals are in hibernation, hiding from the winter cold weather, not drinking or eating, "burying themselves in the ground" (in Chinese, this word is "Zhe"), with the onset of spring, the spring thunder awakens animals, "suddenly awakening" (in Chinese - "Jin"). Therefore, during the Jingzhe season, insects awaken, and the weather becomes warmer.
TRADITIONS
On the day of Jingzhe, the peasants burn wormwood in the corners of their huts to repel emerging insects and snakes. Later, this tradition evolved into the ritual of "beating the villains": burning wormwood acquired a sacred function of banishing evil spirits and protecting against ill-wishers. In southern China, this ritual is accompanied by another action: a strip of white paper, symbolizing malicious individuals, is beaten to shreds with the sole of a shoe. Wormwood is not the only thing burned: in the courtyards of rural homes, smoky bonfires are lit to deter insects, on which pancakes are baked. For this tradition, Russians living in China have dubbed Jingzhe as the "Chinese Maslenitsa (Pancake festival)".
HEALTH
With the coming of the Jingzhe solar term and the warming weather, not only various animals but also microorganisms return to active life, spreading various infectious diseases. It is necessary to be especially careful due to the unpredictable weather, preventing colds and the flu. To do this, it is advisable to delay the abrupt transition to light clothing.
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During the Jingzhe solar term, the number of heart attacks and strokes may increase, and dizziness and migraines may become more frequent. Therefore, it's crucial to take special care of your cardiovascular system, trying, as they say, not to get overly excited or upset. Aim to maintain calmness in any situation.
DIET
According to traditional Chinese medicine recommendations, during the Jingzhe solar term, it's advisable to prefer light food.
After consuming warm but heavy winter meals, dishes made from vegetables and grains are recommended. These help eliminate toxins from the body and provide agility.
As a preventive measure against viral and bacterial infections, Chinese doctors recommend consuming more vegetables from the cruciferous family, such as broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, and kale, as well as citrus fruits, carrots, and spinach.
