春分：昼夜平分暖意正浓
Spring Equinox (春分), the fourth of China’s 24 solar terms, often arrives between March 19 and March 22. On this day, the sun shines directly over the equator, making daytime and nighttime equal. Afterward, days grow longer in the Northern Hemisphere (半球), warming the earth and waking the flowers. Let’s discover four traditions of this special solar term!
1) The Egg Challenge
People love balancing eggs on the Spring Equinox, making them stand upright (直立的)! Though it’s said to bring luck, science explains it’s possible because Earth’s position creates better balance. A 4-5-day-old egg works best — its settled yolk lowers the center of gravity.
2) Kites with Wishes
Flying kites is a timeless Spring Equinox joy. Long ago, people wrote health wishes on kites and released them to “send away” sickness. Today, families write blessings like “good harvest” for the sky gods to see.
3) Spring’s Tasty Greens
Eating fresh spring vegetables — like wild herbs or bamboo shoots — is a healthy tradition. The ancient book Huangdi Neijing teaches that seasonal foods keep people strong and bring good fortune.
4) Swallows and Farmers
Swallows, known as “spring’s messengers”, return north during this time. Poets like Tao Yuanming praised their beauty: “New swallows dance into my house.” Meanwhile, farmers in southern China plant crops and reward hardworking cattle with sticky rice balls.
Fun Fact:
Ancient Chinese divided Spring Equinox into three phases: swallows arrive, thunder rumbles, and then lightning flashes — a poetic way to welcome spring!
As flowers bloom and fields turn green, Spring Equinox reminds us to celebrate nature’s balance and new beginnings.
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