The 24 Solar Terms Series: Spring Equinox

Over 3,000 years ago, Chinese astronomy had already reached remarkable heights, leading the world in celestial observation and timekeeping. Among its many achievements was the development of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, a system that harmonizes human life with nature’s rhythms.

One such solar term is Spring Equinox (Chūnfēn, 春分)—a moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator, bringing equal lengths of day and night. In 2025, the Spring Equinox falls on March 20th. This balance embodies the Daoist concept of harmony, a fundamental theme in Chinese philosophy.

The Ever-Changing Flow of Life

In the study of the I Ching (Book of Changes), Confucius reminds us:

"Change is constant, and movement never ceases." (变动不居，周流六虚)

This principle echoes throughout nature and human life—adaptability is key to resilience and wisdom.

Spring and the Art of Living

Spring and autumn are often considered the most comfortable seasons. In China, there’s a saying: “In the second and eighth months, wear what you like” (二八乱穿衣). These months—February and August in the lunar calendar—bring mild temperatures where seasonal transitions allow for personal comfort in dress.

Confucius, in his classic work Spring and Autumn Annals (Chūnqiū, 春秋), deliberately avoided emphasizing summer and winter, highlighting instead the equilibrium of spring and autumn—a subtle nod to the Confucian ideal of balance.

Nourishing Life, Not Just Hygiene

True nourishment of life (yǎngshēng, 养生) goes beyond mere hygiene. While Western traditions emphasize sanitation and defense against illness (卫生, "protecting health"), Chinese philosophy takes an active approach: cultivating and enhancing life itself. This is the essence of The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine (Huángdì Nèijīng, 黄帝内经), which teaches that wellness is not just about preventing disease but about strengthening vitality from within.

Springtime Practices for Health

Ancient wisdom offers practical guidance for aligning with the energy of spring:

“Go to bed late, wake up early, and take long walks in open spaces.” (夜卧早起，广步于庭)

Why? At night, trees release carbon dioxide, while in the morning, they emit fresh oxygen—making dawn the ideal time for deep, nourishing breaths.

"Let your hair down and move your body gently, allowing the spirit to grow." (被发缓形，以使志生)

Spring is a time of renewal. Be kind, give freely, and refrain from punishment or harm:

"Give, but do not take; reward, but do not punish." (生而勿杀，予而勿夺，赏而勿罚)

“Do not harm the birds of spring, for their young wait in the nest for their mother’s return.” (劝君莫打三春鸟，子在巢中望母归)

This ancient proverb reminds us of the interconnectedness of all life.

The Harmony of Heaven and Humanity

Chinese culture is deeply rooted in the concept of “Heaven and Humanity in Unity” (Tiān Rén Hé Yī, 天人合一)—a philosophy that acknowledges the bond between human well-being and the rhythms of nature. To cultivate health is to align oneself with the universe. This principle extends beyond personal wellness; it nurtures a heart of compassion and responsibility for all living beings.

As the classics say:

“This is the natural order of spring and the Way of nurturing life.” (此春气之应，养生之道也)

If we ignore these natural rhythms, the liver—associated with spring in Chinese medicine—may suffer, leading to imbalances that ripple into summer. To go against nature is to weaken the body.

A Call to Holistic Health

In our modern world, we must move beyond rigid ideas and embrace a more integrated, open-minded approach to well-being. Whether through breathwork, movement, or mindful living, let us rediscover the wisdom of the ancients—to live not just long, but well.