Li Chun (Start of Spring) 2025: Two Things Not to Do, Three Things to Avoid, Four People to Wear Red Welcoming Good Fortune in the Year of the Snake!

Li Chun (Start of Spring) 2025: Two Things Not to Do, Three Things to Avoid, Four People to Wear Red Welcoming Good Fortune in the Year of the Snake!Li Chun, the first of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, symbolizes the transition from winter to spring, the revival of all things. On February 3rd, 2025, at 10:10 PM, we will welcome this hopeful season

Li Chun (Start of Spring) 2025: Two Things Not to Do, Three Things to Avoid, Four People to Wear Red Welcoming Good Fortune in the Year of the Snake!

Li Chun, the first of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, symbolizes the transition from winter to spring, the revival of all things. On February 3rd, 2025, at 10:10 PM, we will welcome this hopeful season. Ancient people believed that "Li Chun is as important as the New Year," considering it the beginning of the year's planning, and many unique customs and traditions have been passed down. Older generations often say that on Li Chun day, one should follow the tradition of "two things not to do, three things to avoid, and four people to wear red" to bring good luck in the Year of the Snake. Let's delve into these ancient and unique Li Chun customs.

Two Things Not to Do: Avoid Washing to Retain Fortune and Health

During Li Chun, the weather is unpredictable, with fluctuating temperatures. The ancient "two things not to do" not bathing and not washing clothes are rich in health-preserving and folk wisdom.

Not Bathing: Protecting Yang Qi and Preventing the Invasion of Cold Evil

While Li Chun heralds the arrival of spring, temperatures remain low, and around Li Chun this year, temperatures may even be lower than before. Bathing at this time can cause pores to open, leading to the loss of Yang Qi (positive energy) and the invasion of cold evil. This is especially true for the elderly and those with weak constitutions, as sudden temperature changes can easily trigger colds or other illnesses. Furthermore, public bathhouses might not yet be open around Li Chun, making it inconvenient to bathe outside. Therefore, postponing bathing on Li Chun day protects health and avoids inconvenience.

Not Washing Clothes: Retaining Fortune, Upholding Ancient Customs

In traditional beliefs, water is fluid, and washing clothes is considered to wash away the year's fortune and wealth. As Li Chun marks the beginning of the year, people hope to retain this good fortune and vitality, hence the taboo against washing clothes. From a practical standpoint, ancient people usually washed clothes by the river; the river water is icy during Li Chun, making it easy to get frostbite. Therefore, the custom of "not washing clothes" also had practical considerations. Even with the convenience of washing machines and running water in modern times, consider postponing laundry on Li Chun day to experience the charm of traditional culture and inherit this ancient wisdom.

Three Things to Avoid: Seeking Good Fortune and Avoiding Misfortune

Besides the "two things not to do," ancient people emphasized "three things to avoid" during Li Chun: avoiding late winter chills, avoiding Tai Sui (the God of the Year), and avoiding disputes. These customs reflect people's cautious attitude towards natural changes and interpersonal relationships.

Avoiding Late Winter Chills: Monitoring the Weather and Preventing Illness

After Li Chun, the temperature rise is unstable, and late winter chills often occur. Late winter chills not only affect crop growth but also easily cause colds and other illnesses. Therefore, it's crucial to monitor weather forecasts closely around Li Chun, adjusting clothing accordingly and preventing health risks from late winter chills. For farmers, timely field management and insulation measures are crucial to ensure crops safely overwinter.

Avoiding Tai Sui: Cultivating Inner Peace and Avoiding Conflict

Folklore mentions "offending Tai Sui," believing that certain zodiac animals clash with Tai Sui in specific years, leading to misfortune. During Li Chun, Tai Sui's position changes. People should act cautiously and avoid conflict. Avoiding Tai Sui is simple: at the Li Chun moment (10:10 PM on February 3rd, 2025), sit quietly at home, avoiding going out and conflicts with others, to smoothly pass this crucial time.

Avoiding Disputes: Maintaining Peace and Avoiding Gossip

The saying goes, "The plan for the year lies in spring." On Li Chun, people hope for a peaceful beginning. Avoiding disputes and maintaining a peaceful mindset create a positive atmosphere for the new year. This applies not only to Li Chun day but also to daily life; being kind to others and avoiding conflict leads to more harmonious relationships.

Four People to Wear Red: Adding Festivity and Praying for Good Fortune

Wearing red during Li Chun is another important tradition, symbolizing festivity, auspiciousness, and warding off evil. This year, the following four types of people should especially wear red:

People born in the year of the Snake: Praying for Good Fortune in their Ben Ming Nian (zodiac birth year)

Those whose zodiac year is the Snake need to wear red on Li Chun to pray for peace and good fortune. Ben Ming Nian is considered a crucial year, potentially bringing misfortune; wearing red is believed to counteract bad luck and bring good fortune.

Those whose zodiac animal clashes with the Snake: Resolving Conflicts

Zodiac animals clashing with the Snake (Rat, Ox, Pig) should also wear red on Li Chun to resolve potential conflicts and negative influences. Zodiac clashes are more of a psychological suggestion; wearing red positively boosts confidence in facing life's challenges.

Newly Married Couples: Celebrating with Festivity and Warmth

Red symbolizes festivity and passionate love. Newlyweds wearing red on Li Chun signifies a thriving and happy married life.

Elderly People and Children: Wishing for Health and Safety

Dressing elderly people and children in red expresses care and conveys wishes for their health, longevity, and happiness. Red symbolizes health, longevity, and festivity, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Conclusion: Inheriting Culture, Integrating It into Life

Li Chun customs like "two things not to do, three things to avoid, and four people to wear red," while ancient and mystical, reflect ancient people's reverence for nature, wisdom in life, and love for family, all worth learning and inheriting. In modern society, we should view these traditions with a scientific and rational attitude, taking the essence and discarding the dross, integrating them into modern life to add cultural flavor and festive atmosphere, allowing traditional culture to flourish in a new era. Li Chun is not just a solar term; it's an opportunity to engage with traditional culture and experience historical inheritance.