As the winter chill fades away and nature bursts into life, China ushers in two fascinating traditional festivals that mark the arrival of spring: the Spring Equinox and Dragon Heads-raising Day. These celebrations, deeply rooted in ancient agricultural traditions and cultural beliefs, offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese customs. For Hebei Abiding Co., Ltd., a company dedicated to connecting global partners with high-quality Chinese food raw materials, we are delighted to share the stories behind these festivals, hoping to deepen your understanding of Chinese culture and strengthen our cross-cultural bonds.
The Spring Equinox: A Celebration of Balance and New Beginnings
The Spring Equinox, usually falling around March 20th or 21st, is the fourth of the 24 solar terms in the Chinese lunar calendar. On this day, the sun shines directly on the equator, resulting in equal lengths of day and night across the globe . In Chinese philosophy, this day symbolizes harmony and balance, as it divides the spring season into two equal parts and represents the equilibrium between yin and yang forces.
Agricultural Significance
For Chinese farmers, the Spring Equinox is a crucial time for agricultural activities. As the temperature rises and rainfall increases, the soil becomes fertile and suitable for planting. In northern China, winter wheat begins to turn green and grow rapidly, requiring timely irrigation and fertilization . In southern regions, farmers start preparing the fields for early rice cultivation. The ancient saying “Spring Equinox brings rain, and every family is busy farming” vividly depicts the bustling scene of agricultural production during this period .
Traditional Customs
- Egg-standing GameOne of the most popular customs during the Spring Equinox is the egg-standing game. People believe that on this day, due to the unique gravitational pull, it is easier to stand an egg upright on a flat surface . This tradition, which has been passed down for thousands of years, is not only a fun activity but also a symbol of good luck and new beginnings. Every year, people from all over the world participate in this game, making it a global celebration of the spring equinox .
- Eating Spring VegetablesIn many parts of China, especially in the Lingnan region, people have the custom of eating spring vegetables during the Spring Equinox. Spring vegetables, such as wild amaranth, are believed to have health benefits and can help cleanse the body. Locals often pick these fresh vegetables from the fields and cook them into a delicious soup with fish slices, known as “spring soup”. There is a folk saying that goes, “Spring soup cleanses the internal organs, and the whole family stays healthy and safe” .
- Sending Spring Cow PicturesAnother interesting tradition is sending spring cow pictures. These pictures, printed with the 24 solar terms and images of farmers plowing the fields, are distributed by folk singers who travel from door to door. They sing auspicious songs about farming and good harvests, bringing joy and blessings to every household .
- Flying KitesThe clear and windy weather during the Spring Equinox makes it an ideal time for flying kites. People of all ages go outdoors to fly colorful kites, which are often decorated with patterns of animals, flowers, and mythical creatures. Flying kites is not only a recreational activity but also a way to pray for good fortune and ward off bad luck .
Dragon Heads-raising Day: Welcoming the Dragon’s Blessings
Dragon Heads-raising Day, also known as Eryueer (the second day of the second lunar month), is another important traditional festival in China. This year, it coincides with the Spring Equinox, a rare occurrence that last happened in 2007 and will not happen again until 2045 . In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of power, good luck, and prosperity. People believe that on this day, the dragon awakens from its winter slumber and raises its head, bringing rainfall and good harvests for the coming year .
Cultural Significance
The dragon has always held a special place in Chinese mythology and folklore. It is believed to control the rain and water, which are essential for agricultural production. Therefore, Dragon Heads-raising Day is a time for people to pray for favorable weather and a bountiful harvest. This festival also marks the beginning of spring plowing, as farmers start to prepare their fields for planting .
Festive Activities
- Dragon Dance and Lion DanceDragon and lion dances are the highlights of the celebrations on Dragon Heads-raising Day. These dynamic and energetic performances are believed to bring good luck and drive away evil spirits. In many cities and towns, grand parades are held, with colorful dragons and lions dancing through the streets accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums and gongs .
- Getting a HaircutA popular custom on this day is getting a haircut. It is said that cutting hair on Dragon Heads-raising Day will bring good luck and ensure a prosperous year. Many people, especially children, queue up at barbershops to get a new haircut, symbolizing a fresh start and the shedding of bad luck .
- Eating Dragon-related FoodsFood plays an important role in the celebrations. People eat various foods named after the dragon to honor this mythical creature. For example, noodles are called “dragon’s beard”, dumplings are “dragon’s ears”, and pancakes are “dragon’s scales”. By eating these foods, people hope to absorb the dragon’s power and good fortune .
- Cross-border Folk CelebrationsIn border areas between China and Vietnam, Dragon Heads-raising Day is celebrated with unique cross-border activities. In 2026, a grand folk festival was held in Aidian Community, China, and Zhima Village, Vietnam. The event featured a series of cultural performances, including a Guan Di parade, lion dances, and traditional music and dance shows. Chinese and Vietnamese residents also participated in activities such as making zongzi, weaving handicrafts, and sharing a “hundred-family feast”, strengthening the friendly ties between the two countries .
Hebei Abiding Co., Ltd.: Bridging Cultures through Food
At Hebei Abiding Co., Ltd., we understand that food is not only a source of nourishment but also a carrier of culture. As a leading supplier of Chinese food raw materials, we are committed to sharing the essence of Chinese culture with our global partners through high-quality products. The Spring Equinox and Dragon Heads-raising Day are just two examples of the rich cultural heritage that China has to offer. We hope that by learning about these festivals, you will gain a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and feel more connected to the origins of the food raw materials we provide.
We invite you to explore the diverse range of Chinese food raw materials we offer, from grains and vegetables to spices and condiments. Whether you are a food manufacturer, a restaurant owner, or a distributor, we are confident that our products will meet your needs and help you create delicious and authentic Chinese dishes.
Thank you for your continued support and trust in Hebei Abiding Co., Ltd. We look forward to working with you to build a brighter and more flavorful future together.
Post time: Mar-20-2026