The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into the "24 solar terms". Awakening of Insects (jing zhe) falls on March 5 and lasts until March 19 this year.

This solar term signals a rise in temperature and increased rainfall. It is named after the belief that animals sleeping in winter are awakened by spring thunder and the earth begins to come back to life. It is the most important time for spring agricultural activities.

Here are four things you may not know about Awakening of Insects.

Spring thunder cracks the sky

Spring thunder is one of the most noticeable phenomena during Awakening of Insects. The solar term occurs just as winter gives way to spring. Wind during this period is an important factor in weather forecasting.

Modern meteorological science shows that around this time, the earth becomes humid and the hot air near the surface rises; meanwhile, the hot humid air from the north is strong and creates frequent winds. For this reason, thunder often occurs in this period. Given China's vast range of latitudes from north to south, the first spring thunder appears at different times in various regions.

Spring plowing

An old Chinese saying says "Once Awakening of Insects comes, spring plowing never rests," revealing the importance of this term to farmers. Awakening of Insects marks a crucial time for agricultural activities and is widely seen as the beginning of the busiest time for farming. During this period, most parts of China experience the quickest rise in temperature of the year, with the average temperature exceeding 10 degrees, and there is a marked increase in sunshine, which provides good natural conditions for farming.

A good time for fishing

Around Awakening of Insects, hibernating animals, including fish, become more active. They migrate from deep to shallow water in search of food and mates, making this an ideal time for fishing.

Fishing can provide mental and physical relaxation, especially for people living in the city. A weekend trip to the suburbs provides the perfect opportunity to fish in a tranquil lake, bask in the sunlight, and enjoy the melodies of birds, creating the perfect springtime retreat.

Eating pears

Eating pears during Awakening of Insects is a widely practiced custom in China. As the weather gets warmer and the air becomes drier, people often experience parched mouths and dry throats, which can cause colds or coughing. Pears, being sweet, juicy, and cool, help to moisten the lungs and alleviate coughing. Thus, they are highly recommended during this period.

Vocabulary:

惊蛰

jīng zhé

Awakening of Insects

冬眠

dōng mián

hibernate

雷

léi

thunder

潮湿

cháo shī

humid

耕种

gēng zhòng

farming

钓鱼

diào yú

fishing

惊蛰的到来预示着气温升高和降雨量增加。

jīng zhé de dào lái yù shì zhe qì wēn shēng gāo hé jiàng yǔ liàng zēng jiā.

Awakening of Insects signals a rise in temperature and increased rainfall.

梨子甘甜、多汁、清凉，有止咳润肺的功效。

lí zi gān tián, duō zhī, qīng liáng, yǒu zhǐ ké rùn fèi de gōng xiào.

Pears, being sweet, juicy, and cooling, help to moisten the lungs and alleviate coughs.