What is "jīng zhé"?

Today is "jīng zhé", the Awakening of Insects. It is the third of the 24 solar terms. "jīng" means awakening and "zhé" means underground hibernating insects. With an eye on animals’ reactions to seasonal changes, "jīng zhé" vividly depicts an image of the returning spring season.

When spring thunder rolls, everything grows. By the time of the Awakening of Insects, the average temperature in most parts of northern China has risen to above 0°C, and sunshine hours have also increased significantly across the country, which provides good conditions for farming. This is the time when most parts of China enter the busy spring plowing season. There is an old saying, "After the Awakening of Insects, spring plowing allows farmers no rest."

Eating pears around the Awakening of Insects is a popular custom in China. As the weather warms up and the air becomes dry, people tend to have a dry mouth, which can cause cough and cold. Eating pears at this time is highly recommended because pears are sweet and juicy and can nourish our lungs and spleen.

"jīng zhé" indicates the weather warming up. It's time to go out and embrace the beautiful scenery of spring. Take action and share the beautiful spring you see!