The Twenty-Four Solar Terms at the Soup House | Awakening of Insects

Awakening of Insects
A bolt of thunder after the Awakening of Insects.
Fine sieve, drizzling rain falls on a plum-blossom sky.
 

As yang energy first stirs at the onset of the Awakening of Insects, springtime’s beauty spreads across the land.

Peach blossoms bloom like Shu brocade, while the hawk grows old and turns into a spring dove.

Time presses and urges, and the sprouts grow straight and neat.
In the human world, strife abounds, and fields are sown from end to end.

Awakening of Insects · Meteorological Changes
Traditional Twenty-Four Solar Terms


Jingzhe is the third of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms. When the Big Dipper points to the constellation Ding and the Sun reaches a celestial longitude of 345°, the term begins, typically falling between March 5 and 6 on the Gregorian calendar. Jingzhe reflects the state of living things in nature as they awaken and grow in response to the changing rhythms of the seasons. By the time Jingzhe arrives, yang energy rises, temperatures warm, spring thunder rumbles, rainfall increases, and all things burst forth with vitality. Agricultural production is closely tied to the natural cycles of the seasons, and the Jingzhe solar term holds great significance for farming—it embodies the ancient agricultural culture’s reflection of the natural order.

Awakening of Insects

With the arrival of Jingzhe, as temperatures rise sharply, spring’s reach expands noticeably. However, due to China’s vast territory, the timing of spring’s onset varies considerably from north to south. During the Jingzhe period, the spring front advances markedly northward, extending from central Hubei and northern Jiangxi to a line stretching through northern Henan and southern Shaanxi. By then, most of southern China has already entered spring. Meanwhile, although much of northern China remains in winter, it too becomes considerably milder.

Awakening of Insects · Phenological Phenomena
Traditional Twenty-Four Solar Terms

The first spring thunder begins to rumble.
The spring thunder in the sky awakens the animals that have been hibernating, an event known as “jing”; insects, having retreated into the earth for winter, neither drink nor eat, a state called “zhe.” By the time the Awakening of Insects arrives, the hibernating creatures stir and emerge. In truth, insects cannot hear the thunder; it is the return of spring and the warming of the weather that prompt them to end their dormancy and “wake up and come forth.”
The Three Hou of Jingzhe
The Awakening of Insects is divided into three hou: “First, the peach blossoms begin to bloom; second, the orioles sing; third, hawks transform into doves.” This marks the arrival of mid-spring, when peach flowers blush red, pear blossoms gleam white, orioles trill, and swallows return. According to typical climatic patterns, around the time of the Awakening of Insects, temperatures across most regions begin to warm, rainfall increases, and spring plowing has already commenced in many areas. As this season awakens the insects that have been hibernating underground, the overwintering insect eggs also start to hatch.
The Twenty-Fourth Floral Breeze
During the Jingzhe period, the seasonal winds herald three blooms: first, peach blossoms; second, spiraea; and third, roses. The peach flowers, kissed by the rain’s gentle touch, glisten with a moist sheen, their once‑lighthearted wildness now tamed into quiet, poised grace. A soft blush spreads from the very tips of the petals, subtly bleeding inward—until, at its deepest reach, it becomes an infinite, tender streak of red. Or perhaps it is like rouge on a beauty’s cheek, distilled into spring’s most exquisite cup of wine, enough to leave one utterly entranced.

Awakening of Insects

The Awakening of Insects: Customs
Worship the White Tiger to dispel disputes and misunderstandings.

According to Chinese folklore, the White Tiger is the deity of slander and strife; it emerges on the day of Jingzhe to hunt for food and harm people, which is why this custom exists.

Worshiping the Thunder God, with drum skins draped over it.


It is believed that on the day of Jingzhe, the Heavenly Court has the Thunder God striking the heavenly drum, which gives rise to thunder. Accordingly, people take this opportunity to offer sacrifices to the Thunder God and cover the drum with hide, thereby expressing their reverence for nature.

Eating pears during the Awakening of Insects.

Eating pears during the Jingzhe solar term symbolizes separating oneself from pests and staying clear of illness. From a health‑preserving perspective, consuming pears at this time also nourishes yin, clears heat, moistens the lungs, relieves coughs, and strengthens the body.

Editor: Deng Chao

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