Observation of 24 solar terms brings back old Beijing flavor

It will start from the first solar term, known as the Start of Spring with the “whipping of the bull” at Jianguomen, then the Vernal Equinox, when a ceremony for agriculture is held at the Temple of the Sun by the Chaoyang sub-district office, and the "Heping Summer Solstice Festival" organized by the Hepingli at the Temple of the Earth. It’s a new idea by folklore expert Zhao Shu, to have a themed community activity for each solar term. Zhao revealed that folklore activities will hopefully be held at different communities on each term, thereby becoming "festivals close to the people."

Jianguomen was selected as the site for the celebrations of the Start of Spring

The "Heping Summer Solstice Festival" was held at the Temple of the Earth last weekend. During the night, children sang the "Song on Ascending the Youzhou Terrace," residents chanted "Praise the Earth," a song specially composed for the summer solstice, and artists showed off Beijing’s intangible cultural heritage such as shadow puppets and performing monkeys on stage.

"As I serve as chairman of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles of Dongcheng District, I proposed to the Jianguomen sub-district office, at the ancient observatory, to restore the custom of the “whipping of the bull" on the Start of Spring," said 68-year-old folklore expert Zhao. According to Zhao, the ancient observatory was the place where the 24 solar terms were monitored in ancient times. There was a custom of spinning pinwheels on the Start of Spring back then. It just so happens that there is a “pinwheel square” in Jianguomen and it is very convenient to hold folk activities in that area. Activities have been organized for the last three years.

Plans are made to pair the 24 solar terms with communities

In addition, Zhao also suggested to the Chaoyang sub-district office that a memorial ceremony be held for agriculture at the Temple of the Sun, where emperors came to offer sacrifices in ancient times. He suggested that residents take part in games like "building eggs on the Start of Spring." Not long ago, Zhao proposed to the Hepingli sub-district office that a memorial ceremony be held at the Temple of the Earth to mark the "Summer Solstice Festival." The activity went off successfully.

"In ancient times, the summer solstice was an occasion for entertainment. The festival later transformed into a special occasion solely for the imperial family. Now, the sub-district can organize a summer solstice festival and bring more happiness to residents," said an official from the Hepingli sub-district office, adding that the activity will be held each year from now on.

Zhao said that the 24 solar terms are already listed on the National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Zhao and other folklore experts will make efforts to pair 24 themed activities with 24 communities, increasing residents' awareness of protecting traditional culture, and creating "festivals close to the people."

Translated by LOTO