In Chinese culture, there are 24 solar terms (节气)in a year. Awakening(醒来)of Insects falls on March 5 and ends on March 20 this year. The name itself suggests that animals sleeping in winter are awakened by spring thunder( 雷 )and that the earth begins to come back to life.
Spring ploughing (春耕)
During this period, most parts of China experience warmer weather. It provides a natural environment for farming. Just as an old Chinese saying goes, "Once the Awakening of Insects comes, spring ploughing never rests. "
Offering sacrifices ( 祭 祀 )to the white tiger
According to an old Chinese folk story, a white tiger always begins hunting (打猎) during the Awakening of Insects. Sometimes it hurt people and brings bad luck. Therefore, people draw the white tiger on paper, and put pig's blood and pork on its mouth. It's seen as a way to avoid bad luck
Eating pears
As the weather gets warmer and the air becomes dry, people will feel thirsty and dry more often than usual, which can cause colds or coughs. A pear is sweet and juicy, so pears are good choices for health during the Awakening of Insects.
We should learn from our ancestors and spread it to the whole world.
A. It's an important and busy time for farmers. B. Chinese culture is colorful and rich in wisdom. C. Here are some things you may not know about Awakening of Insects. D. This means the tiger is fed so that it would not hurt people. E. Eating pears around the Awakening of Insects is a traditional custom in China. |
