春分 Spring Equinox

The Beginning of Spring or Just a Midpoint?

· Chinese Festivals & Traditions

Did you know that in China’s traditional calendar, SpringEquinox (春分) is notthe beginning of spring, but the midpoint?

In this episode, we explore:
✔️ What is Spring Equinox? The ancient Chinese viewvs. modern interpretation.
✔️ Spring seasonal Foods: From "springpancakes" in the north to fresh greens in the south.
✔️ The Egg-Balancing Tradition: Why do people try tomake eggs stand upright on this day?

If you love Chinese traditions, festivals, and seasonal food, this episode is for
you!

(Exercises HERE

春分,在北半球一般是3月20日或21日。这一天,白天和黑夜一样长,气温回暖,花儿盛开,小鸟开始歌唱。很多人认为,春分是春天的开始;但是,在中国古代,春分,是春天的“分界线”,是春天的中点。

在传统的二十四节气中,春分与夏至、秋分、冬至并列为四大节气,是古人用来指导农耕和生活的重要时间标志。每年分为四个季节,每个季节又有六个节气,帮助人们决定何时耕种、收获、储备粮食、准备过冬。

春分这一天,人们有许多独特的习俗。在南方,人们会吃新鲜的春菜,比如春笋、香椿,味道鲜美,寓意春天的生机。在北方,人们则吃春饼,用薄饼包着各类蔬菜,一口下去,满满的春天气息!

除此之外,春分还有一个有趣的传统——立蛋!古人相信,在春分这一天,鸡蛋更容易立起来,因此有“春分到,蛋儿俏”的说法。每年这一天,很多人都会尝试让鸡蛋在桌子上站起来,看看自己是不是“天选之子”。

你想试试立鸡蛋吗?还是更喜欢和朋友一起品尝春天的味道,欣赏春日美景呢?