Source: CCTV.com

02-05-2009 08:44

Wednesday marks the first solar term in the lunar calendar. It's called Lichun, which literally means "Spring Begins" and the days get longer and warmer. The solar term is divided from the viewpoint of astronomy. However, for the folk in east Asian countries, Lichun is also the symbol of warm spring days, tilling the land and planting seeds.

It's called Lichun, which literally means "Spring Begins" and the days get longer and warmer.

"Spring Begins" became a tradition for the feudal rulers in ancient China to hold a ceremony on that day which was literally called "whip the spring", so as to encourage farming and production.

The custom of "Whip the Clay Ox" is usually practiced among Chinese. On the day of "Spring Begins", a senior person shall be elected in the village to symbolically whip the clay ox thrice to announce the start of farming for the year. Then the villagers will batter down the clay ox, get their share of clay and sprinkle it in their farmland to wish for a big harvest.

According to historical records, the custom originated in the Jin Dynasty and was prevalent during the Tang Dynasty, about 1300 years ago.

The seasonal foods among Chinese around the solar term are the spring pancakes and some fresh vegetables, and the custom is commonly called "Bite the Spring".

In Beijing, local citizens have been swarming to supermarkets to buy these foods. They believe it can prevent disease and is an important way to meet the Chinese new year.

According to historical records, the custom originated in the Jin Dynasty and was prevalent during the Tang Dynasty, about 1300 years ago.

People also eat fresh vegetables on the day such as Chinese radishes, ginger, shallots and bean sprouts. These vegetables are rich in energy and vitamins which are essential for human health. One Beijing supermarket has sold one ton of bean sprouts and two-thousand bags of pancakes.

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Editor:Zhao Yanchen