The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. The Awakening of Insects (惊蛰) falls on March 6 ends on March 20 this year.
The Awakening of Insects signals rise in temperature and increased rain fall. As the third solar term in the lunar year, (it) name suggests the fact that animals sleeping in winter are awakened by spring thunder and that the earth begins to come back life. It is the key time for spring agricultural activities. It is also a good time for people (enjoy) fun outdoors, especially for people living in the city. Driving to the suburbs, (fish) in a lake or enjoying the singing bird will make for a perfect weekend in spring. The most popular fruit in this season (be) pears.
The custom of eating pears is (wide) practiced around the Awakening of Insects. As the weather gets warmer and the air becomes (dry), people tend to feel their mouths and tongues are dry, can cause colds or coughs. A pear is sweet, juicy and cold, moistening (湿润) the lungs to arrest a cough. Therefore, pears are recommended during the Awakening of Insects.
