【节气】春分 | Spring Equinox: A Moment of Balance and Renewal

As the sun crosses the celestial equator, day and night stand in perfect balance, marking the arrival of Spring Equinox (春分, Chūnfēn). This solar term, occurring around March 20-21, is a time of harmony, renewal, and growth, celebrated in Chinese tradition as the season of awakening life and shifting energies.

The Meaning of Spring Equinox

The term “春分” (Chūnfēn) literally means “spring divides”, signifying the division of spring into two equal halves. From this point onward:

Days grow longer, and nights become shorter as warmth increases.

Yin and Yang are in equilibrium, a rare moment of cosmic balance.

Nature flourishes—flowers bloom, fields turn green, and migratory birds return.

Ancient Chinese believed that harmony in nature reflected harmony in life, making 春分 a reminder to seek balance in our own lives—between work and rest, movement and stillness, reflection and action.

Traditions and Customs of Spring Equinox

1.     Egg Balancing Tradition

One of the most well-known customs during 春分 is the art of balancing eggs upright. It is said that on this day, due to the unique gravitational forces, it is easier to balance an egg on its end. While science may suggest otherwise, this tradition remains a fun way to welcome spring, invite good luck, and celebrate balance.

2.     Spring Worship and Ancestral Rites

Since ancient times, people have observed 祭日 (jì rì)—a ritual honoring the sun and nature. In some regions, ancestral tomb sweeping also begins around this time, blending into the later Qingming Festival.

3.     Enjoying Fresh Seasonal Foods

Spring Equinox is a season of new beginnings in agriculture, with farmers sowing crops and celebrating fresh produce. Traditionally, people eat seasonal greens like spring shoots, spinach, and shepherd’s purse, which are believed to refresh the body and bring vitality.

4.     Flying Kites and Embracing Nature

With mild weather and gentle breezes, kite-flying is a popular activity during 春分, symbolizing letting go of the old and embracing the new. It’s a time for families to enjoy the outdoors, feel the energy of spring, and soak in nature’s beauty.

Spring Equinox Around the World

Spring Equinox is not only significant in China but is also celebrated in different ways across cultures:

·       Persian New Year (Nowruz) – A festival marking the rebirth of nature.

·       Japan’s Shunbun no Hi (春分の日) – A day of honouring ancestors and embracing renewal.

·       Western Traditions – Many ancient civilizations, from the Celts to the Mayans, built monuments aligned with the equinox to track the changing seasons.

Finding Balance in Our Lives

Spring Equinox reminds us that life, like nature, moves in cycles—there are times of stillness and times of growth, moments of reflection and moments of action. It’s an opportunity to:

·       Embrace renewal—start fresh projects, cultivate new habits.

·       Seek harmony—balance work and life, movement and rest.

·       Celebrate nature—spend time outdoors, breathe in the energy of spring.

As we welcome this season of light, warmth, and possibility, let’s take a moment to reflect, reset, and bloom just as nature does.