The Solar Term “Beginning of Spring” and Tradition of "Aviod Spring"

Today is the solar term “Beginning of Spring”, which marks the beginning of spring in the new year 2025.

Early in the morning, a friend asked me: "Do we need to 'Avoid Spring' today? What should we not do during the Beginning of Spring?" Let's delve into the ancestral wisdom of health preservation to answer these questions.

The Beginning of Spring, the first of the 24 solar terms, signifies the gradual rise of Yang energy and the commencement of spring. Yang energy is the fundamental life force, and as it begins to burgeon, our bodies should align with nature, focusing on nurturing Yang. This means protecting our own Yang energy, avoiding disturbances or excessive depletion.

The "Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine"《黄帝内经》 states: "During the three months of spring, all things in nature come to life, and it is advisable to go to bed early and rise early, take leisurely walks in the courtyard, loosen the hair and relax the body, to promote the generation of willpower. Be generous and avoid punishment, as this corresponds to the energy of spring and is the way to nourish life. Acting contrary to this will harm the liver and lead to cold-related illnesses in summer, as the energy provided for growth will be insufficient." In essence, spring is a time for life to sprout, and all things begin to flourish. People should adapt by going to bed and waking up early, relaxing the body, taking leisurely walks, and maintaining a joyful spirit. Generosity and encouragement should prevail over punishment, aligning with the season's energy to nurture the life force. Disregarding this can damage the liver, leading to cold-related ailments in summer.

Our ancestors observed that the universe operates in cycles, and both nature and the human body must conform to these rhythms. Every five days, a noticeable minor change occurs, known as a "hou."（候） For instance, flowers bloom in sequence: plum blossoms first, followed by narcissus, then winter jasmine, peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, apricot blossoms, peonies, and azaleas. These plants sense the subtle shifts in the universe's energy. Similarly, in traditional Chinese medicine, treatments such as herbal prescriptions, moxibustion, acupuncture, and massage are often administered in five-day cycles, reflecting the body's energy cycles. Our lunar calendar, with its first and fifteenth days, also follows this five-day rhythm.

The term "climate" (气候) emphasizes the importance of "qi" (气). How many days constitute a "qi"? A year has 72 "hou," or minor changes. Every 15 days, a more significant change occurs, known as a "qi," totaling 24 "qi" in a year. A "solar term" (节气) is a larger unit of time, comprising three "qi" or 45 days, marking a major change.

The year is divided into "four seasons and eight solar terms." The ancients believed that "solar terms" were critical junctures, akin to joints in the body. If a joint is impaired, the limb's function is compromised. The solar terms—Beginning of Spring, Beginning of Summer, Beginning of Autumn, Beginning of Winter, Spring Equinox, Autumn Equinox, Winter Solstice, and Summer Solstice—signal transitions and potential challenges. Sensitive individuals may experience symptoms during these times, and elderly or seriously ill individuals may find these periods particularly difficult. Surviving these junctures allows them to endure a bit longer.

From "hou" to "qi," and then to "solar terms," two solar terms (90 days) make up a season, and four seasons complete a year. Note that the 24 solar terms are not based on the lunar calendar. The lunar calendar, which tracks the moon's phases, influences tides, moods, and menstrual cycles, hence it is called the "yin calendar." In contrast, the 24 solar terms are based on the sun's movement and its impact on the earth's seasons, making it a solar calendar. The dates of the solar terms align closely with the Gregorian calendar. For example, the Beginning of Spring usually falls on February 3-5, Qingming on April 4-5, and the Winter Solstice on December 21-23.

Let us revisit the well-known *24 Solar Terms Song*:
春雨惊春清谷天，  
夏满芒夏暑相连。  
秋处露秋寒霜降，  
冬雪雪冬小大寒。  

The Winter Solstice is the day with the shortest daylight in the year. From this day, the Northern Hemisphere experiences increasingly longer days and shorter nights. Counting from the Winter Solstice, 45 days later marks the Beginning of Spring. On this day, although the weather may still be cold, the "qi" of the universe has undergone a significant change. The wind, though still chilly, is no longer bitingly cold. The ancients, without calendars or clocks, were acutely aware of these shifts, embodying a sense of harmony with nature. In contrast, many today live in disarray, oblivious to the solar terms and the natural rhythms of time, leading to disrupted yin and yang. As the saying goes, "The movement of the Dao arises from nothingness." Just because we cannot perceive these changes does not mean they do not exist. To live healthily and happily, we must respect nature's laws, harnessing its power to cultivate our bodies and minds, and attuning ourselves to the universe's energy and the shifts between yin and yang.

With all this in mind, is it necessary to "Avoid Spring" during the Beginning of Spring? I believe you, the astute reader, already have the answer.

"Avoiding Spring" is a traditional Chinese custom rooted in the belief that the day's significant energy shifts can impact health and fortune. Thus, "Avoiding Spring" is a way to mitigate adverse effects. It serves as a practical reminder, much like the Buddhist encouragement to "eat vegetarian," fostering compassion and mindfulness. By adopting such practices, we create habits that naturally guide us toward beneficial outcomes.

What should one pay attention to when "Avoiding Spring"?

Traditional Chinese medicine holds that the Beginning of Spring is when Yang energy is nascent and the body's Yang is weak, making it susceptible to external influences. Therefore, on this day, it is essential to stay warm and avoid cold exposure. Additionally, spring corresponds to the Wood element in the Five Phases theory, which is linked to the liver. Since "the liver and gallbladder open into the eyes," the eyes are also associated with this season. Thus, it is advised to avoid anger, as "anger harms the liver," and to maintain emotional calm to nurture liver energy and protect Yang. If liver energy is not robust in spring, it will falter in summer, leading to cold-related illnesses despite the season's heat. This aligns with the ancient wisdom: "Acting contrary to spring's energy harms the liver, leading to cold-related ailments in summer, as the energy for growth is insufficient."

Returning to the principle of "nurturing life, not killing; giving, not taking; rewarding, not punishing," we see that while autumn and winter encourage meat consumption to build strength, spring is a time to reduce slaughter and meat intake. Spring is when the nutrients stored in winter are transformed into energy and vitality. It is a time for digestion, favoring vibrant green plants like bean sprouts, bamboo shoots, and Chinese toon. Customs such as eating spring pancakes or spring rolls filled with vegetarian ingredients like bean sprouts and chives, known as "biting spring," symbolize seizing the season's energy and keeping pace with nature's renewal. Foods like leeks, scallions, and ginger, which warm and supplement Yang energy, are also recommended. The ancients' wisdom is evident in these customs, which embody the principles of harmony between humans and nature.

Lastly, the four "Beginning" solar terms (Beginning of Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter) mark the start of the seasons and involve significant energy shifts. The ancients believed that during these transitions, it is best to avoid strenuous activities and maintain a calm mind and body. Engaging in sexual activity during these times can disrupt the body's energy, deplete Yang, and allow cold to enter, leading to discomfort. Moreover, the day before each of these solar terms, known as the "Four Termination Days," is also a critical energy transition period, unsuitable for significant activities or sexual intercourse.

A final question: Who needs to "Avoid Spring"? Folk belief holds that those in their zodiac year, those in conflict with the Year's Tai Sui (太岁，the deity governing annual fortunes), the elderly, the young, and those with poor fortune should "Avoid Spring." The concept of "Tai Sui" is complex and will be discussed separately. In brief, Tai Sui is a Taoist deity overseeing the year's fortunes, with sixty Tai Sui corresponding to the sixty-year cycle of the Chinese calendar. The Beginning of Spring marks the transition between old and new Tai Sui, a time of chaotic energy. "Avoiding Spring" is a way to evade adverse influences and seek peace and prosperity in the new year.

In conclusion, "Avoiding Spring" reflects the ancients' reverence for natural laws and their pursuit of harmony, health, and auspiciousness. As the saying goes, "The year's plan lies in spring." The Beginning of Spring is not just a solar term but a significant cultural festival, symbolizing renewal and hope. Let us welcome the return of spring, the blossoming of flowers, and the renewal of all things, looking forward to a brighter new year!