Lì Chūn (立春), the first Solar Term, marks the first day of the Solar New Year— a few days before the Lunar New Year. Occuring around Feb 3rd to the 4th, this period signifies when nature begins to awaken from its winter rest.

Symbolically, Lì Chūn is a time of renewal and hope. It represents a fresh start, inviting one to plant seeds not just in the ground, but in one’s life as well. Plum and peach blossoms are often associated with this period.

Yǔ Shuǐ (雨水), the second Solar Term, signals a time when winter’s chill begins to wane and the nourishing rains soak the earth. Occurring around Feb 18-20, this period signifies the earth's preparation for the rebirth of spring.

This period is not just about literal rain; it's a reminder of the importance of nurturing and preparation. As the rain revitalizes the soil, making it ready for sowing, it also invites us to prepare our minds and hearts for new growth and possibilities.

Jīngzhé (惊蛰), the 3rd Solar Term, marks the awakening of the earth as it stirs from its winter slumber. Occurring around March 5th to the 7th, this time heralds the subtle signs of spring's imminent arrival. 惊蛰 can be literally translated as “stirring from hibernation” and is traditionally known as “Awakening of Insects.”

I’ve interpreted it as “Emergence of Life.” This period is more than just about the stirring of dormant creatures; it symbolizes a period of awakening and renewal for us all. Like those emerging from hibernation, we have chance to lift out of the haze of slumber and embrace the new growth that Spring will soon bring. 

Chūnfēn (春分), the 4th Solar Term, marks the Spring Equinox. This time signals a moment of perfect balance, where day and night share equal lengths (its literal translation is 'spring division'). Occurring around March 20th to the 21st, this solar term typically coincides with the official first day of Spring. 

Chūnfēn 春分 celebrates equilibrium and renewal. It reminds us that balance throughout the universe is essential and that growth often springs from harmony. May this time inspire us to embrace both light and shadow, and to find that balance in our own lives. 

Qīngmíng (清明), the 4th Solar Term, is a time for reverence and renewal. Translated as Pure Brightness, it occurs in 2024 on April 4th, marking the time when the skies become especially bright after a season of rain. It is also celebrated in Chinese culture as Tomb-Sweeping Day, when families come together to honor their ancestors, tidying gravesites and commemorating the lives that have paved their paths. This act of cleansing to honor the past reflects Qīngmíng's deeper meaning of purification and renewal.

The period of Qīngmíng inspires us to clear our own spaces—both physical and emotional—to make room for new growth and possibilities. It's a reminder that, just as we care for the people and places that connect us to our past, we must also nurture the world inside and around us, welcoming the brightness that the future holds. 

Gǔyǔ (谷雨), which translates to 'Grain Rain,' is the 6th solar term and arrives on April 20th. It is the last Solar Term of Spring and marks a pivotal moment in the cycle of seasons. Unlike the earlier 雨水 Rain Water Solar Term, Grain Rain specifically celebrates the vital showers that ensure the flourishing of crops. 

This period of rain nourishes the growth we kindled in the early days of spring, signaling a period ripe with potential and the promise of abundance. It reminds us that the care of our seeds is a continuous act of giving over the course of time. Here, a heron symbolizes patience, determination, and intuitive wisdom.