The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. The Spring Equinox (Chinese: 春分), the fourth term of the year starts, on March 20 and ends on April 4 this year. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn] 

The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. The Spring Equinox (Chinese: 春分), the fourth term of the year starts, on March 20 and ends on April 4 this year. 

Here are a few things people from Taizhou like to do to celebrate the Spring Equinox.

Eating spring vegetables, specifically wild amaranth, is a common practice to mark the Spring Equinox in Taizhou. "Spring soup", made with amaranth and fish slices, is believed by locals to help preserve health and bring good luck. 

Some believe that the Spring Equinox is the best time to practice standing an egg upright, which is believed to increase the possibility of success if the selected egg is fresh, smooth and well-proportioned. 

Another common tradition on this day is to eat glutinous rice balls. Locals will often place glutinous rice balls without fillings outside to feed nearby birds. It is believed that the sticky delicacy will seal the birds’ mouths shut and prevent them from destroying crops. 

The Spring Equinox is also a great time to fly kites. In ancient times, people lacked quality medical resources. To pray for health, they wrote their medical issues on a paper kite.