Start of Spring, commonly known as Lichun, holds special place in traditional Chinese culture as first solar term among twenty-four solar terms, a system that has guided people’s lives for millennia. It represents end of winter’s cold grip and beginning of spring’s warmth, serving as powerful symbol of renewal and fresh starts for people across Chinese communities worldwide. Unlike fixed calendar dates, this term shifts slightly each year based on astronomical observations of sun’s position relative to equator, aligning closely with natural cycles that ancient Chinese relied on to guide daily life and agricultural practices. Its significance extends far beyond seasonal marker, embedding deeply into cultural traditions, social customs and even daily habits of people who honor this time-honored celebration, linking past and present through shared rituals and beliefs.
Roots of Start of Spring trace back to ancient Chinese societies where agriculture was cornerstone of survival, and people’s lives were tightly tied to nature’s rhythms. Ancient astronomers and farmers worked together to closely monitor movements of sun, subtle changes in weather patterns and growth cycles of plants to create solar term system, which helped coordinate planting, harvesting and other essential farming activities. This system allowed communities to adapt to seasonal shifts, ensuring food security and fostering harmonious, sustainable relationship with nature. Over centuries, as societies evolved, Start of Spring transformed from practical agricultural guide to beloved cultural festival, accumulating diverse traditions that reflect core values of hope, prosperity and deep connection to natural world.
Nature undergoes noticeable transformations as Start of Spring arrives, even in regions where winter cold lingers and occasional snowfalls still occur. Gentle, warm winds gradually replace harsh winter gales, carrying subtle warmth that awakens dormant life beneath soil and in tree bark. Sunlight becomes more abundant and intense, melting frost from fields, rooftops and tree branches, and encouraging grass to push through soil in vibrant green shoots. Tiny buds form on trees and shrubs, swelling day by day and promising colorful blooms in weeks to come, while hibernating animals—such as bears, hedgehogs and snakes—stir from long slumber to forage for food and seek mates. Streams and rivers, once frozen solid, begin to flow again, their waters carrying nutrients to lands and supporting new growth. These changes are not just visual; they signal profound shift in natural energy that people have learned to observe, respect and celebrate for thousands of years.
Folk traditions associated with Start of Spring are diverse and vary across different regions of China, but all share common theme of welcoming new life and seeking good fortune for coming year. One widely practiced custom is Biting Spring, where people eat specific seasonal foods to “bite into” spring’s vitality and absorb its fresh energy. Popular choices include crisp radishes, soft spring pancakes, golden spring rolls and various fresh vegetables harvested early in season. Radishes, often eaten raw, are crisp and slightly spicy, believed to clear body of stagnant energy accumulated during long winter and boost overall health. Spring pancakes, thin and tender, are wrapped with fresh greens, tofu, pickles or small pieces of meat, symbolizing gathering of spring’s freshness and abundance. Spring rolls, fried until golden and crispy, represent prosperity and warmth, as their cylindrical shape resembles rolls of wealth in traditional Chinese culture. These foods are not just delicious; they carry deep cultural meanings that connect people to season and their ancestral heritage.
Another iconic tradition is Beating Spring Cow, which originated in rural agricultural communities and remains popular in some countryside regions and cultural festivals today. Skilled craftsmen create lifelike effigies of cows using materials like clay, colored paper or straw, decorating them with bright ribbons, paper flowers and symbols of good harvest—such as grains or fruits. On day of Start of Spring, local leaders or respected elders lead public ceremony where they gently beat cow effigy with soft willow whips, chanting traditional prayers for abundant crops, healthy livestock and peaceful, prosperous year. This ritual honors vital importance of cattle in traditional farming, as they were essential for plowing fields, pulling carts and supporting overall agricultural productivity. Beyond practical tribute, Beating Spring Cow also symbolizes awakening of earth from winter’s sleep, encouraging farmers to begin new planting season with enthusiasm and hope.
Welcoming Spring is another cherished tradition that dates back to imperial times, when it was grand state ceremony before filtering down to common people. In ancient China, emperors would hold elaborate rituals to worship Spring God, dressing in bright green robes to symbolize spring’s arrival and leading court officials in solemn prayers for national prosperity, good harvest and people’s well-being. Common people adopted simpler, more lively versions of this ritual, dressing in colorful clothes, decorating homes with fresh flowers and flexible willow branches, and walking through villages or towns to shout cheerful greetings of “Spring has come!” Children often take active part by flying kites, as spring winds are gentle and steady—perfect conditions for this joyful activity. Kites come in various shapes and sizes, including swallows, dragons, butterflies and flowers, each carrying families’ wishes for good luck, happiness and health. Some people even write their deepest wishes on kites before flying them, believing that if kite flies high and string breaks, their wishes will be carried to heavens and granted.
Overseas Chinese communities have carefully preserved and creatively adapted Start of Spring traditions, blending them with local cultures to create unique, vibrant celebrations that honor their roots. In countries with large Chinese populations, such as United States, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia, people gather in community centers, parks or homes to hold Biting Spring feasts, organize simplified Beating Spring Cow ceremonies and fly kites together. Many families spend days cooking traditional foods, sharing stories of their heritage and teaching younger generations about history and significance of this special solar term. These celebrations not only keep cultural traditions alive but also strengthen bonds within overseas Chinese communities, helping people maintain deep connection to their ancestral homeland. They also serve as window for non-Chinese communities to learn about rich aspects of Chinese culture, promoting cross-cultural understanding, respect and appreciation.
Start of Spring also exerts significant influence on daily life and habits of people who observe it, guiding them to live in harmony with seasonal changes. Many follow traditional health practices passed down through generations to adapt to spring’s rising energy, focusing on light, nourishing diets that align with body’s needs during this transition. They eat more fresh vegetables and fruits that ripen in early spring, avoid heavy, greasy foods that weigh down digestion and drink herbal teas—such as chrysanthemum or mint—to support digestion and boost immunity. Outdoor activities become increasingly popular, as people take full advantage of warmer weather to hike, walk, garden, play sports or simply sit in parks and enjoy fresh air. This shift in lifestyle reflects ancient Chinese belief in living in harmony with nature, where seasonal changes guide choices for physical and mental health and well-being.
Cultural influence of Start of Spring extends far beyond rituals and daily habits, touching literature, art and modern media. Ancient poets and writers often referenced this term in their works, composing poems and essays that describe beauty of spring and emotions of renewal, hope and fresh beginnings. These literary works capture universal feelings of optimism, emphasizing that even after coldest, darkest winter, spring will always arrive to bring new life. Artists throughout history have created paintings, calligraphy and crafts inspired by spring scenes, using bright, lively colors and dynamic imagery to depict season’s vitality and beauty. In modern times, media outlets and social platforms feature stories about Start of Spring traditions, recipes, health tips and celebrations, helping to spread awareness and keep these precious traditions alive among younger generations who may be more disconnected from agricultural roots.
Today, Start of Spring remains deeply relevant in modern society, even as lifestyles become more urban and disconnected from traditional agriculture. It serves as powerful reminder of importance of respecting natural cycles and staying connected to cultural heritage in fast-paced world. For many people, it is special time to set new goals, let go of past difficulties or regrets and embrace new opportunities—mirroring spring’s inherent theme of renewal and growth. Celebrations may be simpler and more casual than in ancient times, but core meanings of hope, prosperity and connection to nature remain unchanged. Whether through eating traditional Biting Spring foods, participating in community rituals, flying kites or simply enjoying beauty of spring’s arrival, people around world continue to honor this timeless solar term and its rich cultural legacy.
Start of Spring is more than just seasonal marker; it is living cultural heritage that connects past and present, unites communities and celebrates resilience of life. Its traditions, deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and respect for nature, continue to bring joy, meaning and a sense of belonging to people of all ages. As world becomes more interconnected, this solar term also serves as bridge between different cultures, allowing people to share, learn from and appreciate diverse traditions. For Chinese communities worldwide, Start of Spring is not just celebration of season’s arrival; it is celebration of identity, ancestral heritage and enduring hope for brighter future—one that honors both past and possibilities of new beginnings.
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