How Chinese people overcome challenges by ‘eating’ and ‘whipping’ the spring

The SCMP explains why Chinese people take part in symbolic rituals called eating, whipping and speaking the spring to welcome in the new season. - Photo: SCMP composite/Xinhua/Sohu/chinanews

BEIJING: To welcome the arrival of spring, Chinese people across the nation observe a series of seasonal rituals such as Biting the Spring, Whipping the Spring and Speaking the Spring.

The customs reflect people’s hopes for renewal, good fortune and a prosperous farming year, while also marking the transition from winter stillness to spring vitality.