Jingzhe is the third solar term among the 24 solar terms, marking the beginning of the mid spring season. It falls on March 5-6 of each year in the Gregorian calendar, when the sun reaches longitude 345 degrees.
1. Name and Definition
Name evolution: Jingzhe was originally called "Qizhe", but later changed to "Jingzhe" to avoid the name taboo of Emperor Jing of Han, Liu Qi.
Meaning: "Zhe" refers to insects hibernating and hiding in the soil, while "Jing" means that spring thunder awakens hibernating insects, reflecting the state of natural organisms sprouting and growing under the influence of rhythmic changes.
2. Climate characteristics
Temperature Rise: Awakening of Insects is the solar term with the fastest temperature rise throughout the year. The average temperature in most parts of China has risen above 0 ℃, reaching 10-15 ℃ in the south and 3-6 ℃ in the north.
Spring thunder and rain: In the south, it is common to see the initial sound of spring thunder and an increase in rainfall; The spring thunder in North China and Northwest China is relatively late, usually not heard until Qingming Festival.
3. Phenological phenomenon
The three signs of Jingzhe are:
Peach blossoms begin to bloom: Peach blossoms are in full bloom;
Erhuacang Geng Ming: The oriole crows;
San Hou Ying transforms into a dove: Ancient people believed that as eagles gradually fade away, the number of doves and birds increases.
4. Agricultural significance
Spring plowing starts: As the agricultural proverb goes, "On the Awakening of Insects Festival, hoes never stop", the whole country has entered a busy period of spring plowing.
Disease and pest control: Warming climate can easily cause diseases and pests, and timely weeding and epidemic prevention measures should be taken for poultry and livestock.
5. Traditional customs
Eating pears: symbolizes "staying away from diseases" and relieving dryness in spring;
Menggupi: Ancient people borrowed the imagery of thunder god drumming and selected this day to make Menggupi;
Beating villains: using mugwort to fumigate the house to expel insects, evolved into a custom of dispelling bad luck;
Sacrificing to the White Tiger: Resolving Disputes of Right and Wrong.
