The drizzle has just paused. Here comes the last solar term of spring, Hold off on the heat and humidity, please. For I haven't yet had my fill of the lingering charm of spring blossoms in Hangzhou.
Qingming Festival—also known as ‘Tomb-Sweeping Day’ or ‘Pure Brightness Festival’—is a traditional Chinese festival that falls in early April every year, on the first day of the fifth solar term of the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. This year, it falls on April 4.
Recently, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism revealed the sixth batch of national intangible cultural heritage inheritors, with 58 selected from Guangdong. The province boasts a rich tapestry of traditions, from dance and craftsmanship to traditional medicine. Here are some of Guangdong's cultural treasures, with top spots to experience them up close.
On March 20, we usher in Spring Equinox, one of the 24 solar terms. On this day, day and night are nearly equal in length, with the vibe of spring becoming more evident and the weather getting warmer, making it a great time to fly kites.
The Main Hall is complemented by the Mazu statue and her five incarnations, exuding solemnity and peace.
February 18 is Rain Water, the second of the 24 solar terms. During this period, the temperature rises and rainfall increases, bringing the earth to life with the nourishment of spring rain.
Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is celebrated by a quarter of the world’s population. Roughly two billion people ring in the Lunar New Year in some way or another.
There is a saying that goes, "A year's plan starts with spring". On February 3, the solar term "Beginning of Spring" arrives as scheduled. This day is marked by various unique customs such as "Yingchun" (welcoming spring), "Yaochun" (biting spring) and pasting paintings and calligraphic works corresponding to the season.
The fifth day of the Chinese calendar is believed to be the birthday of the God of Wealth. People celebrate this date with traditions such as setting off firecrackers and preparing offerings of meat, pastries and candles to invite prosperity for the New Year.
With a civilization of some 5,000 years, China is rife with taboos. They're especially prevalent during the Spring Festival, when good luck is valued more than anything else. During the festival, several customs and taboos are observed to ensure good luck and avoid misfortune in the coming year.
Married daughters, accompanied by their husbands, visit their parents and siblings, bringing gifts and well wishes.
Traditionally, people eat vegetarian dishes on the first day of the Chinese New Year. The second day, however, marks the true start of the new year with a hearty meal that includes meat and fish.
Chinese New Year's Eve dinner is an important Spring Festival tradition for Chinese families. It signifies togetherness, wealth and hope for the future.
Chinese New Year vibes | Sweeping away the dust
Spring Festival is not only a grand festival for the Chinese people but also a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. What are the traditional customs that make this festival so special? What fascinating stories lie behind your Chinese zodiac sign? And how is this festival celebrated around the world?
If history is a password door, intangible cultural heritage would be the keypad. China's Intangible Cultural Heritage is like a priceless pearl, shining brightly in the treasure house of human civilization.