LiChun (The Beginning of Spring) stands out among Chinese festivals as one that many outsiders overlook, yet it holds extraordinary significance.
It is the oldest Chinese festival, and in 2026, LiChun Festival falls on February 4th.
What is the Beginning of Spring? its origin and why on February 4th?
The Beginning of Spring launches the cycle of the twenty-four solar terms and marks the start of spring. Ancient Chinese agricultural civilizations observed the sun’s trajectory to determine this date.
When the sun reaches 315° of ecliptic longitude, people celebrate the Beginning of Spring. This event symbolizes the revival of all things and the birth of yang energy, carrying important cultural significance as a time to welcome spring and pray for blessings.
Most years, the date falls around February 4th (sometimes the 3rd or 5th) because the solar terms follow the Earth’s revolution around the sun and align with the solar calendar cycle, making the timing relatively stable each year.
Differences between the LiChun Festival, the Winter Solstice, and the Spring Festival
Previously, we covered the Winter Solstice Festival and the Spring Festival. Today, we discuss LiChun Festival. Let’s recap the differences between them.
Lichun marks the start of spring; the Winter Solstice brings the shortest daylight in winter; and the Spring Festival celebrates the Lunar New Year.
LiChun emphasizes the natural transition of seasons. The Winter Solstice highlights the shift between Yin and Yang, while the Spring Festival centers on family reunions and bidding farewell to the old year while welcoming the new.
Why celebrate the Beginning of Spring, and what are the folk customs?
People have celebrated the Beginning of Spring since ancient times to welcome spring and pray for a bountiful harvest. Through rituals, they welcome new life and express hopes for a good harvest.
People commonly celebrate with customs such as “beating the spring ox” to urge plowing, “biting the spring” by eating spring pancakes and radishes, wearing spring banners, and pasting spring couplets. These activities help ward off the cold, welcome good fortune, and honor the change of seasons.
Traditional foods and food culture of the Lichun Festival.
Food traditions for the Beginning of Spring focus on “biting the spring.” People fill spring pancakes and spring rolls with fresh seasonal vegetables to symbolize vitality and abundance. Eating raw radishes means “biting through the roots,” which represents the idea that everything can be accomplished.
These traditions combine practices for seasonal health and prayers for blessings, emphasizing the harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
Celebrations of the Beginning of Spring Outside of China
In South Korea, people post Spring Festival couplets and eat five-grain rice to welcome spring. In Japan, people scatter beans during Setsubun (the beginning of spring) to ward off evil and welcome good fortune. In Vietnam and other countries, people worship their ancestors and prepare spring foods.
Overseas Chinese communities often hold cultural exhibitions or spring banquets, blending local elements to spread the traditions of the solar terms. These activities reflect the ongoing continuation and integration of Chinese culture across regions.
The connection between the Lichun Festival and Eggs
Many people believe that standing an egg upright on the Beginning of Spring brings good fortune and smooth sailing in the new year, symbolizing great luck and auspiciousness.
The word for “chicken” (鸡) which sounds “Ji”, same as the “auspicious” (吉) in Chinese. Standing an egg upright represents “standing” (立) which sounds “Li”, same as the “profit” (利), symbolizing a lucky and prosperous new year. This tradition adds special cultural significance to the Beginning of Spring.
Every year on this day, my children and I play the egg-standing game, experiencing the magic of LiChun firsthand. I assure you it works.
For the other 364 days, you will need to test it yourself. Are you up for the challenge?
Saving Money and Going on a Spring Outing
People celebrate LiChun by saving money and going on a spring outing, two vibrant ways to welcome spring and receive blessings. Saving money symbolizes sowing wealth and hoping for a bountiful new year, while a spring outing brings people close to nature so they can absorb the vitality of spring.
Saving money draws on ancient wisdom to attract wealth and treasures. This practice also honors the seasonal ritual of harmony between humans and nature, bringing traditional rhythm and hope into modern life.
Lichun Festival in Modern Society
In modern society, LiChun has changed from a traditional farming solar term into a cultural symbol and meaningful life ritual. People reconnect with nature in their busy lives by eating spring pancakes and joining Spring Festival activities. These actions help preserve the cultural memory of following the seasons and welcoming the new year with good fortune.
For me, LiChun’s most important part is marking the new year’s start. On this day, our family starts Feng Shui arrangements and plans for the year based on our Ba Zi chart.
Do you know about Chinese Feng Shui and the Ba Zi astrology system?