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Jingzhe (驚蟄) — Awakening of Insects
Around March 5-7; the first spring thunder traditionally awakens hibernating creatures.
Jingzhe occurs at celestial longitude 345°, around March 5-7. Tradition holds that the first spring thunder rouses hibernating insects and small animals from their winter sleep — "驚" means startled, "蟄" means hibernate.
Folk customs: eating pears (lung-protective in dry early-spring air) and "white tiger sacrifices" to ward off slander. Climate: rapid warming, with dramatic temperature swings between day and night.