Start of Spring, also called Lichun, stands as first term in traditional Chinese solar terms system, carrying profound cultural meanings and long-standing folk traditions passed down for thousands of years. It marks clear transition from cold winter to warm spring, symbolizing rebirth, growth and new beginnings for all living things—tiny grass blades, large trees, small insects and big animals alike. This term is key part of Chinese culture, widely recognized and celebrated by Chinese people globally, becoming vital bridge that connects overseas Chinese with their cultural roots and helps them maintain deep ties to their ancestral traditions.

Originating in ancient China, Start of Spring developed and improved over long history, evolving hand in hand with agricultural civilization. Ancient people carefully observed changes of celestial bodies, weather patterns and natural phenomena to divide year into solar terms—a system that played crucial role in guiding daily agricultural activities. Start of Spring was initially part of eight solar terms in early times, when people depended heavily on nature for food and survival. Later, during Western Han Dynasty, it became first of twenty-four solar terms system, formally recorded and promoted across different regions. This system links closely with agricultural life, telling farmers when to prepare for planting, tend to crops and harvest, reflecting ancient people’s wisdom in coexisting with nature and adapting to seasonal changes.

When Start of Spring arrives, subtle but meaningful changes take place in nature, signaling end of cold and start of renewal. Cold wind fades gradually, replaced by gentle breezes carrying faint warmth. Sunlight turns warmer and lasts longer, melting frost from grass and tree branches. Frozen rivers begin to thaw, with small streams flowing again as ice melts into water. Hibernating insects wake up from long dormancy, crawling out to explore fresh surroundings, while tender buds sprout on tree branches and unfold into tiny green leaves. Grass pushes through soil, showing bright green signs of vitality. Though some northern regions still have cold weather or occasional snow, overall trend moves toward warmth and renewal, reminding people harsh winter is over and vibrant spring comes with new possibilities.

Various interesting folk customs have been passed down for centuries to celebrate Start of Spring, and many traditions remain alive today, linking people to their cultural heritage. One popular custom is Biting Spring, a practice symbolizing embrace of spring’s energy through food. People eat special foods to welcome spring, such as spring pancakes, spring rolls and radishes, each carrying unique meanings. Spring pancakes are thin and soft, usually wrapped with fresh vegetables and other fillings, representing gathering of spring’s freshness. Spring rolls are made by wrapping fillings in thin dough and frying until golden, symbolizing prosperity and warmth. Radishes are crisp and juicy, believed to clear body of toxins from winter and bring good health for new season. Different regions have slight differences in Biting Spring foods—some add meat fillings, others prefer all-vegetable options—but all carry wish to embrace spring’s vitality.

Beating Spring Cow is another important tradition, deeply rooted in agricultural societies where cattle were essential for farming. Ancient people made cows with clay or paper, decorated with colorful paper strips symbolizing good harvest, prosperity and abundant grain. On Start of Spring, local elders or officials led ceremonies, beating spring cow with willow whips while saying prayers for abundant grain and good fortune in coming year. This custom came from cattle’s importance in agricultural production—cattle helped farmers plow fields, plant crops and carry heavy loads. Beating spring cow aims to awaken earth from winter slumber, encourage farmers to start new planting season and express expectations for prosperous year. Today, some rural areas still hold this activity to preserve tradition, attracting local residents and tourists to join celebrations.

Other customs include Welcoming Spring, Wearing Spring Ornaments and Flying Kites, each adding joy and meaning to celebrations. Welcoming Spring was originally grand ceremony held by emperors in ancient times, who led officials to worship Spring God and pray for good harvest and national peace. Later, it became popular folk activity: people dressed as Spring Messengers, walked around villages and towns, shouting “Spring is coming” to spread joy. Young girls often made small ornaments shaped like swallows or flowers with colored silk, wearing them in hair or hanging them on branches—these shapes symbolize good luck, happiness and spring’s arrival. Flying kites is also popular, as spring wind is gentle and steady, perfect for kite flying. People fly kites of different shapes and sizes, believing this brings good luck, drives away bad fortune and improves health by enjoying outdoor fresh air.

Start of Spring is also celebrated by overseas Chinese, who adapted traditions to local life while keeping core cultural essence intact. In countries like Singapore and Malaysia, home to large Chinese communities, people hold various activities to mark this day. For example, many Chinese people deposit money in banks on Start of Spring, a practice symbolizing saving for future and hoping for wealth and prosperity in new year. They also hold prayers in temples or community centers, carrying small spring cow pictures and offering sacrifices to wish for family good luck, health and happiness. This proves Start of Spring has become important cultural symbol for global Chinese, helping pass down traditional culture across generations and strengthen bonds among overseas Chinese communities.

Besides folk customs, Start of Spring deeply influences Chinese literature and art, inspiring countless works praising this term’s beauty. Ancient poets wrote poems describing spring scenes—blooming flowers, gentle winds and lively animals—expressing longing for new beginnings and appreciation for nature’s beauty. Artists painted landscapes and folk activities related to Start of Spring, capturing season’s essence and cultural significance. These works reflect people’s love for nature and respect for seasonal cycles. Even today, Start of Spring remains important part of Chinese culture: schools and communities hold activities to introduce traditions, such as making spring ornaments or talking about solar terms, helping young people understand and inherit cultural heritage.

In daily life, people adjust lifestyles with Start of Spring’s arrival, following ancient wisdom to adapt to seasonal changes. They pay more attention to health, focusing on light, fresh diets with seasonal vegetables like chives, spinach and bamboo shoots—believed to be nutrient-rich and suitable for spring. Many people also do more outdoor activities, such as walking, hiking or flying kites, to enjoy warm weather and fresh air, helping bodies and minds adapt to transition from winter to spring. Additionally, many take this chance to make new plans, set goals or start projects, as Start of Spring symbolizes new beginnings. It reminds people no matter how cold winter is, spring always comes, bringing hope, vitality and chances to start anew.

Start of Spring is more than just solar term; it is precious carrier of Chinese cultural heritage, embodying ancient people’s wisdom, respect for nature and pursuit of good life. It closely connects nature, agriculture and human life, showing harmonious relationship between humans and nature valued in Chinese culture for thousands of years. Celebrated globally by Chinese people, it also promotes cultural exchange, helping world understand more about Chinese traditional culture and its values. This timeless tradition carries history, customs and hope for future, continuing to be passed down across generations, bringing hope, joy and vitality to people every year.