24 Solar Terms: Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects)

Starting from March 5, or the 22nd of the first Chinese lunar month, the third solar term of spring – Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects) heralds spring thunder along the Yangtze River and spring ploughing in most areas of China. Animals are awakened from winter sleep and the earth begins to come back to life.

Yongfu Cherry Blossom Garden, Longyan, Fujian province

Ancient Chinese believed that thunder brought the Awakening of Insects and that the God of Thunder is a man with beak and wings. He beats the drums circling around him to create thunder. When he does so on the first day of this solar term in heaven, people on earth shall stretch drumheads accordingly.

Stewed pear with white fungus

Eating pears around Jingzhe is a widely-practiced custom in China. It is said that as the words “pear” and “separation” are homophones in Chinese (pronounced as “li”), eating pear signifies that we shall remember our ancestors and endeavor to build a career away from home; it also reflects the wish to keep pests away from crops and have a good harvest. In terms of health preservation, pear is cold-natured and is good for moistening the lungs and clearing heat during this period of dry season.

Spring Thunder Awakens The Dragon

Artist：Yuan Jiang

Year：1730

Dimension：134 × 50.5 cm

Technique：Ink and color on silk

In the collection of National Art Museum of China

Spring thunder awakens all insects among which some may cause damage to agricultural activitie and daily life. Therefore, people in some parts of southern China preserve the custom of eating stir-fried soybeans and grains resembling insects that symbolizes the elimination of pests. Farmers in Ningbo, Zhejiang province hold “insect sweeping” ceremonies in the fields, expressing their wishes to have all pests wiped out.