Chun-fen (noun) 春分 (Chinese): Spring equinox (4th solar term), (March equinox), literally in Chinese “chun” 春 = spring, “fen” 分 = half.
Chun-fen 春分: The 4th Solar Term in the Chinese Calendar
The 4th Solar Term in the Chinese Calendar – Chun-fen 春分
Chun-fen (春分) is the fourth solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar and one of the 24 solar terms (节气 Jie-qi). It marks the vernal equinox when the Sun aligns with 0° celestial longitude. This period begins when the Sun reaches this point and ends when it moves to 15° longitude.
In the Gregorian calendar, Chun-fen usually starts around March 21 and ends around April 4 or April 5 (East Asia time). On this day, the Sun sits directly above the equator, creating an equal division between day and night. Both hemispheres experience 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
Seasonal Changes and Chun-fen’s Position
This solar term falls between Li-chun (立春, the beginning of spring) and Li-xia (立夏, the start of summer). As the midpoint of spring, it marks an important transition toward warmer days and increased agricultural activity.
Ancient Chinese scholars divided this period into three phases:
- 元鸟至 – Swallows (燕子) return from the south.
- 雷乃发声 – Thunderstorms begin to rumble.
- 始电 – Lightning flashes during rainfall.
According to ancient Chinese records, the vernal equinox was described as:
“The Sun enters the equator three days before the spring equinox.”
Nature’s Response to Seasonal Shifts
As Chun-fen arrives, nature undergoes visible changes. Plants begin to bloom, animals become more active, and the climate continues to warm. These shifts have been closely observed in Chinese culture for centuries.
Each period (候) within a Jie-qi (节气) is linked to a flower letter breeze (花信风)—winds that carry the scent of blooming flowers. During this solar term, different flowers bloom in sequence:
- First period: Begonia (海棠)
- Second period: Pear blossoms (梨花)
- Third period: Magnolia (木兰)
Additionally, other flowers such as:
- peach blossoms (桃花),
- spring jasmine (迎春花),
- rapeseed flowers (油菜花),
- and lilacs (丁香花)
as well as other flowers continue to bloom throughout this time. These blossoms symbolize renewal, growth, and the beauty of spring.
Cultural and Agricultural Significance
For centuries, this solar term has played a vital role in agriculture. Farmers relied on it to determine the best time for planting and harvesting crops.
Chun-fen (春分) is the fourth solar term in the traditional Chinese calendar and observed as one of the 24 solar terms (节气 Jie-qi)
Even today, its influence remains strong in Chinese traditions, where people continue to celebrate the balance between day and night, yin and yang, and nature’s harmony.
Chun-fen is not just a marker of seasonal change; it is a reminder of the deep connection between nature and human life.