The Beginning of Spring is the first of the twenty-four solar terms, classified as a January term in the official calendars of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It occurs around February 3-5 of the Gregorian calendar (around the lunar New Year's Day) when the sun reaches a longitude of 315°.
The Beginning of Spring is one of the important traditional festivals in Han Chinese folk culture. "Beginning" signifies the start, and since the Qin Dynasty, China has consistently regarded the Beginning of Spring as the commencement of spring. This designation is based on astronomical observations, where spring is marked by warmth, birdsong, and blooming flowers; it is a season of growth, sowing, and cultivation. The period from the day of the solar term known as the Beginning of Spring until the Start of Summer is collectively referred to as spring.
The so-called 'the plan of the year lies in spring' has been a major festival since ancient times, called the Spring Festival (renamed after the Republic of China). China attaches great importance to the day of the Beginning of Spring, which has a history of over 3000 years, both officially and privately. At the beginning of spring, the emperor personally led three dukes, nine ministers, and feudal lords to the eastern suburbs to welcome spring and pray for a bountiful harvest. After returning, rewards should be given to the courtiers, and Bude Ling should be given to benefit the people. This activity had an impact on the common people, making it a popular spring festival for generations to come.
