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Lichun (立春) — Beginning of Spring
The first solar term, around February 3-5; marks the astronomical start of spring and the new year for traditional Chinese metaphysics.
Lichun falls when the sun reaches celestial longitude 315°, around February 3-5 each year. In the I-Ching almanac and Bazi (Four Pillars) systems, this — not the Lunar New Year — is the true start of the new year and the new "year pillar" for fate calculation.
Traditional folklore: villagers welcomed spring with the "spring ox" ceremony; eating spring rolls and chunbing (春餅) is still common. Climate notes: temperatures begin rising but cold spells are common. Yang qi awakens; wood element strengthens.