Awakening of Insects 驚蟄
Jingzhe, or Awakening of Insects, arrives with the first thunder, rousing the hibernating insects. The weather warms and life revives as peach blossoms redden and willows turn green. Farmers begin turning the soil and sowing. The spring thunder wakes not only the insects but also fresh energy for the year ahead.
Peach blossoms bloomFirst pentad
Orioles singSecond pentad
Hawks turn into dovesThird pentad
Three pentads
- First pentadPeach blossoms bloomPeach trees begin to blossom.
- Second pentadOrioles singOrioles begin to sing in the branches.
- Third pentadHawks turn into dovesHawks hide away to breed while doves call everywhere; the ancients thought the hawks had turned into doves.
Custom
Eat a pear to moisten the lungs and symbolise parting with pests.
Start dates
- March 5, 2025
- March 5, 2026
- March 6, 2027