The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Awakening of Insects, the third solar term of the year, begins this year on March 5th and ends on March 19th.
中国传统的阳历将一年分为24个节气。惊蛰(中文:惊蛰)是一年中的第三个节气,今年的3月5日开始,3月19日结束。
Awakening of Insects signals the rise of temperatures and increased rainfall. Thunder begins to stir, waking hibernating insects, and everything starts to grow rapidly. It is a crucial period for agricultural activities.
惊蛰标志着气温的回升和降雨的增多。雷声开始响起,惊醒冬眠的昆虫,一切开始迅速生长。这是农业活动的重要时节。
Here are eight things you should know about Awakening of Insects.
以下是您应该了解的有关惊蛰的八件事。
01
The Origin of Awakening of Insects
惊蛰的起源
As a solar term, Awakening of Insects was recorded in ancient Chinese books over 2,000 years ago. The term "Jingzhe" means that spring thunder awakens hibernating insects underground. Ancient Chinese people believed that the sound of thunder was a sign of the new cycle of life beginning.
作为一个节气,惊蛰在 2000 多年前的古籍中已有记载。"惊蛰" 意味着春雷惊醒地下冬眠的昆虫。古代中国人认为雷声是新生命周期开始的象征。

02
Spring Thunder and Insect Awakening
春雷惊虫
During Awakening of Insects, the rising temperature and humidity create conditions for thunderstorms. In ancient times, people associated the first thunder of the year with the awakening of insects, believing that it marked the end of winter’s silence.
在惊蛰时节,温度和湿度的上升创造了雷暴天气的条件。在古代,人们认为春天的第一声雷会惊醒昆虫,这标志着冬天寂静的结束。

03
Eating Pears
吃梨
There is a folk custom of eating pears during Awakening of Insects. Pears are juicy and believed to help moisten the throat, counteracting the dryness brought by changing weather.
在惊蛰期间,人们有吃梨的习俗。梨水分充足,被认为有助于滋润喉咙,缓解气候变化带来的干燥。

04
Beating the ‘Villain’
打小人
In some southern parts of China, people perform a ritual called "beating the villain" during Awakening of Insects. They use paper figures symbolizing evil or bad luck and beat them with a shoe to ward off misfortune.
在中国南方的一些地区,人们在惊蛰期间进行“打小人”仪式。他们用鞋子打象征厄运的纸人,以驱除不祥。

05
Worshipping the White Tiger
祭白虎
In certain regions, people offer sacrifices to the White Tiger, a mythical creature symbolizing power and protection. It is believed that appeasing the White Tiger can help avoid conflicts and disputes in the coming year.
在某些地区,人们向白虎献祭。白虎是象征力量和保护的神兽。人们认为祭拜白虎可以帮助避免新一年的冲突和争端。

06
Agricultural Significance
农业意义
Awakening of Insects is a key time for farmers. It marks the start of spring plowing and sowing. Farmers begin to fertilize crops and prepare for a new season of growth.
惊蛰对农业至关重要。它标志着春耕春播的开始。农民开始施肥,为新一季的生长做好准备。

07
Spring Health Practices
春季养生
Traditional Chinese medicine suggests that people should adjust their diet and habits during Awakening of Insects. Consuming foods that help detoxify the body and avoiding excessive cold foods is recommended.
传统中医认为,人们应该在惊蛰时调整饮食和生活习惯。建议食用有助于排毒的食物,并避免过多食用寒性食物。

08
Seasonal Flowers: Peach Blossoms
时令花卉:桃花
Peach blossoms bloom around Awakening of Insects, symbolizing vitality and romance. In Chinese culture, they are associated with love and prosperity.
桃花在惊蛰前后盛开,象征着生机与浪漫。在中国文化中,桃花与爱情和繁荣息息相关。

Awakening of Insects marks the true arrival of spring. With nature coming to life, it is a time to embrace renewal, growth, and energy.
惊蛰标志着春天真正的到来。随着大自然的苏醒,这是一个迎接新生、成长和活力的时刻。