Module 1: Beginning of Spring

Lecture

The live lecture will be held on Zoom. Details below:

Date/Time: 7th February, 1-2pm (GMT)

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85198148219?pwd=vcxd96PsiBeaY9vXxfTSZULypvDMBy.1

Meeting ID: 851 9814 8219

Meeting Password: Research26

Recorded lecture video is available by request. If you cannot attend the live lecture, please email me at yutaichi4you@gmail.com

Reading

The Beginning of Spring (立春, Lìchūn) marks the first of the twenty-four solar terms within a one-year cycle. Contrary to popular belief, its determination is not based on weather, temperature, or visible vegetation, but by precise astronomical observation. It begins when the Sun reaches 315 degrees of celestial longitude along the ecliptic. In the modern Gregorian calendar, this moment usually falls around February 4th or 5th. The solar term lasts until the Sun reaches 330 degrees, approximately 18th or 19th February, at which point the next solar term, Rain Water, begins.

Historical Observation

Ancient China was predominantly an agrarian society. The twenty-four solar terms were originally devised by scholars of the time to help farmers plan their crop cycles. While the precise determination of each solar term was based on astronomical observations, the average farmer traditionally identified them by subtle cues in nature.

In ancient China, Lichun was typically experienced in three stages, called pentads, each lasting approximately five days:

• Stage 1: Warmer air blows from the east, and the frozen fields begin to thaw.

• Stage 2: Fields begin to show signs of insect activity.

• Stage 3: Layers of ice on rivers start thinning. Occasionally, fish can be seen reaching for the surface.

In addition, daytime begins to lengthen throughout the Beginning of Spring, though the daily changes are barely noticeble.

Qi Dynamics:

Underlying the twenty-four solar terms is the theory of Qi dynamics. Ancient Chinese scholars theorized that there are two types of energies in nature, called Qi. The first type – Yin Qi, is cold, static, and descending. The second type – Yang Qi, is warm, active, and ascending. For example, in the winter, Yin Qi dominates. As a result, days are short, temperatures are low, and life withdraws inward. Throughout the course of a year, this balance shifts continuously, manifesting itself as seasonal changes.

Lichun is a turning point in the solar term cycle. From this point forth, one witnesses increasing signs of life awakening.

Qi Alignment:

Qi is not only present within the environment. All living beings, humans included, are powered by Qi flowing within their bodies, which we will call internal Qi. As is in nature, the internal Yin Qi and Yang Qi maintain dynamic equilibrium. This balance is what governs both physiological processes and mental states. Generally, internal Qi responds to external Qi in the environment, but the two are not rigidly synchronized. Human activities can amplify, resist, or redirect the influence of environmental Qi. Ancient Chinese wisdom advocates aligning one’s internal Qi with that of the environment. This alignment (顺时养生) is what leads to physical and mental well-being.

At Lichun, environmental Qi shift is characterized by the noticeable rise of Yang Qi, though Yin Qi still dominates. Activities that best align with this shift are gentle warm-ups. Following this core principle, some traditional practices emerged:

• Dietary change. Households switch away from rich winter stews towards lighter, fresher greens such as sprouts, tender leeks, herbs, and simple steamed vegetables. One particular tradition is called “bite the spring” (咬春, yao chun), where people eat chunbing/chunjuan (i.e., spring rolls)—thin pancakes wrapped around crisp vegetables. The specific food may vary across regions, but the fundamental idea unifies them: eat mildly stimulating food to build up Yang Qi within the body.

• Physical exercise. Ancient Chinese physicians and Daoist practitioners developed a system of body movements, known as Qigong, to guide the flow of internal Qi. One subset of Qigong moves, known as the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Daoyin move, was developed specifically to align one’s Qi flow to seasonal changes. Legend has it, the Twenty-Four Solar Terms Daoyin move was created by Tenth century Daoist grandmaster Chen Tuan, who fused together Daoist practice with Chinese medicine theory. Its purpose was to enhance health and prolong lifespan through Yin-Yang balance. (Trivia: Like all Daoist practitioners, Tuan sought immortality through meditation, Daoyin exercise, and diet.)

  According to the Dandao theory, the head is the central hub of Yang Qi. Thus, to stimulate the rise of Yang Qi, the Lichun Daoyin emphasizes rotating the head left and right, as well as elevation of the head through stretching the neck. A demonstration of Lichun Daoyin (by Prof. Dai Jingang) can be found here. Detailed step-by-step instructions of Lichun Daoyin move can be found here.

• Celebrations. Lichun carries a sense of cheerful anticipation of a fresh start. Some farming communities welcomed spring with rituals like a “Spring Ox” parade to encourage fertile earth. Though the specific celebration can vary greatly, depending on the locale, the guiding principle applies generally: to mentally prepare for the gentle influx of Yang Qi.

Regional and Modern-Day Adaptations:

Lichun will manifest itself differently across regions. Readers based in the UK, for example, may experience lingering cold air from Siberia. Contemporary households’ living conditions also differ significantly from those of ancient Chinese farming society. Hence, traditional Chinese practices won’t apply equally to everyone. Rather than blindly imitate them, a better idea is to stick to the key principle of alignment, and adapt to one’s own situations. Recall that the Beginning of Spring is characterized by the rise of Yang Qi, giving a sense of gentle awakening from winter hibernation. For you, aligning physical exercise may involve just a few stretches by an open window, or five slow breaths of refreshing air. (We also encourage you to practice the Lichun Daoyin moves introduced earlier.) Celebrations can be as simple as planning what you want to grow in your garden for the year. In the end, the Beginning of Spring is an invitation to begin your internal shift, even while the environment still appears wintery.