"Lichun" is the first solar term of the year. "Li" means beginning, and the beginning of spring also heralds the beginning of a year's agricultural activities. The lunar 2023 is a double spring year. On February 4, 2023, at 10:33:21, we ushered in the first “lichun” of the double spring year.

Three Pentads in Lichun

There are three pentads in Lichun. First pentad: winter ice thaws in the east wind; Second pentad: hibernating insects awaken; Third pentad: fish swim upward near ice.

Lichun customs

Welcome the Spring. Welcoming spring is an important activity at the Beginning of Spring. It is necessary to prepare in advance and conduct a rehearsal. Then, it is possible to officially welcome the spring, with the aim of bringing back spring and the spring god in charge of farming, the Goumang God.

Spring outings: after the start of spring, people like to go out to travel and appreciate spring blossoms, which is also the main form of spring outings.

Spank the spring. Before the beginning of spring, spring cows are made of clay, and women hold their children and circle the spring cow three times because the old saying says that in doing so they will not get sick in the new year. On the day of the beginning of spring, the village will elect an old man to symbolically beat the spring oxen three times with a whip. Then the villagers break the clay ox, divide the broken clay and sprinkle it on their respective farmlands.

Bite the spring. Biting spring refers to the custom of eating spring pancakes, spring rolls, and chewing radishes on the day of Lichun.

Lichun wellness

The temperature has not warmed up in spring, so do not lose your winter clothes too early.

After the beginning of spring, the natural world is full of vitality and all things are prosperous. People should follow the vitality of nature, and go to bed early and get up early.

After the beginning of spring, the intake should be moderate. Whether it is a food supplement or a medicine supplement, the amount should be gradually reduced. At the same time, reduce salt intake, because eating excessive salt can easily damage the kidney.

In addition, choose a diet that can be good for the internal organs. It is appropriate to eat some bitter and sweet products, and it is not suitable to eat sour food. Because the sour taste enters the liver and it has astringent properties, which is not conducive to the germination of yang qi and the release of liver qi. Spicy and warm food includes green onions, coriander, peanuts, leeks, shrimp, etc. Also, do not overeat spicy food.

Translator: BAO Minmin

Reviewer: YUAN Ting