Traditional culture in plain words
Awakening of Insects (驚蟄)
Spring thunder sounds. Hibernating insects wake, and everything stirs with new life.
At a glance
What the solar terms mean
Awakening of Insects usually falls on 5 or 6 March. In old times, people believed the first spring thunder called the insects from their winter sleep. It marked the true start of the spring farming season.
Across Chinese communities, many elders know the folk ritual of 'beating the petty person' (打小人), in which a shoe sole taps paper figures. It is traditionally done on this day, with the wish to settle gossip and quarrels.
Traditional customs in different places
On this day, people traditionally worship the White Tiger (白虎). The White Tiger is linked in legend with gossip and disputes, so pork and duck eggs are offered with a wish for peace. Many also beat the petty person, tapping paper figures with a shoe sole to send quarrels away. Such rituals are commonly seen in southern China, Hong Kong and Macau. In Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and other places, similar customs of blessing are also found. These are gentle folk traditions, kept in the hope of a calmer, kinder year.
Solar terms belong to the traditional calendar and are shared for cultural reference. For weather, please follow the forecast from your local weather service.