Start of Spring, the first of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, usually falls between February 3rd and 5th on the Gregorian calendar. It officially heralds the end of winter and the dawn of spring when the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315 degrees. Also known as "Beating the Spring Ox" or the "Start of Spring Festival", it marks the beginning of the first month of spring in the Stem-Branch calendar. More than just a natural solar term reflecting seasonal changes, it is a cultural symbol deeply engraved in the hearts of the Chinese people, bearing their hopes and aspirations, and embodying the ancient people's love and reverence for nature and life. 

The most touching part of the Start of Spring is the vitality of gradual warmth. Though the north wind still lingers with its chill and a light frost may cling to the plants and grass in the early morning, the breath of heaven and earth has already changed quietly. With their keen observation, the ancient Chinese summarized the phenological signs of Start of Spring into three stages: First, the east wind thaws the ice— the bitter west wind fades away, replaced by the mild east wind, and the thick ice on rivers and lakes cracks silently, turning into gurgling streams. Second, hibernating insects stir— insects that have slumbered underground all winter are roused by the warmth deep in the soil, wriggling gently in their burrows, ready to break through the earth. Third, fish swim up carrying residual ice— the ice on the river surface thins and becomes brittle, fish sense the rising water temperature and race to the surface, their fins and tails fluttering as if gliding with pieces of leftover ice, full of vivid vitality.

For thousands of years, the Chinese people have formed many down-to-earth folk customs around Start of Spring. "Biting the Spring" is the most popular one: taking a bite of crisp radish symbolizes "biting away the cold evil and welcoming warmth"; rolling a fragrant spring pancake and wrapping it with bean sprouts and chives embodies the wish for "welcoming spring and good fortune, and smooth sailing in all things". "Beating the Spring Ox" is steeped in farming culture— people beat a clay ox and shout auspicious words, not only to rouse the earth and encourage farming, but also to pray for favorable weather and a bumper grain harvest in the coming year. In addition, customs such as pasting spring couplets and greeting the spring breeze add more joy and ritual to the Start of Spring.

The beauty of Start of Spring lies not in the immediate disappearance of the bitter cold, but in the hope and strength it conveys. It tells us that all hibernation is for a better awakening, and all waiting will eventually be rewarded with blooming flowers. May we embrace the warmth of Start of Spring, live up to the spring light and our youthful days, and grow toward the sun with all things in this new season, heading for the next chapter of gentleness and joy.