Evading Spring: A 40-Day Celebration of Tradition and Renewal in Rural China

As the villagers prepare for the new year, they engage in various customs and rituals, each with its own significance and meaning. The slaughter of pigs, which takes place on the eighth day of the lunar month, is a time for families to come together and share in the festive atmosphere. The meat is then prepared and preserved for the upcoming year, with some being cooked and consumed immediately, while others are stored away for later use. The "送五穷" (Sending Away of the Five Poor) tradition, which takes place on the fifth day of the first month, is a unique and interesting custom, where villagers do not visit each other's homes, but instead stay at home to wash their clothes and cleanse themselves of any bad luck or misfortune.

The celebration of Duo Chun is not just a time for rest and relaxation, but also a period of spiritual reflection and renewal. The villagers believe that during this time, they can purify their minds and bodies, and prepare themselves for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The village's traditional New Year's activities include the Qin opera, which is performed by a theatrical troupe made up of villagers on the village stage, lasting for over a dozen days and creating a lively atmosphere. The Society Fire team, composed of local villagers, performs a series of dance performances and sacrificial rituals, praying for a prosperous and peaceful new year.

In recent years, the tradition of Duo Chun has gained popularity, with many people from outside the village coming to experience and participate in the festivities. The village has become a major tourist destination during this time, with visitors drawn to the unique customs, delicious foods, and warm hospitality of the locals. As the tradition continues to evolve and grow, it remains an important part of the village's cultural heritage, and a celebration that is deeply cherished by the villagers.

Interestingly, the concept of "躲春" (Duo Chun) has also been associated with the idea of "躲春" (avoiding spring), which is a traditional Chinese custom that involves avoiding certain activities during the spring season. According to some beliefs, it is necessary to "躲春" during the spring season to avoid bad luck and misfortune. However, experts say that this custom has no scientific basis and should be viewed with a rational attitude.

The "躲春" (avoiding spring) custom is often associated with the "双春年" (double spring year), which occurs when there are two spring seasons in one year. This phenomenon is caused by the difference in dates between the lunar and solar calendars. In "双春年", some people believe that it is necessary to "躲春" to avoid negative effects on their fortunes. However, this custom is not unique to Er Yang village and is observed in other parts of China as well.

As the 17th day of the first lunar month arrives, the villagers of Er Yang Village begin to prepare for the new year's farming, marking the end of the "躲春" (Evading Spring) custom. Although this tradition has been passed down for many years, it remains vibrant and full of life, an indispensable part of the cultural heritage of Er Yang Village. The conclusion of "躲春" signifies a transition for the villagers, as they shift their focus from the festive celebrations to the upcoming agricultural work, ushering in a new cycle of growth and productivity.