Let’s delve into the concept of Kinh Trap Festival, exploring when it occurs in 2023, its unique characteristics, significance, and recommended activities during this special time.
1 What is the Kinh Trap Festival?
Kinh Trap Festival
The Kinh Trap Festival is the third solar term in the year according to the calendars of several East Asian countries, including Vietnam, China, Japan, and North Korea. It occurs when the sun’s longitude reaches 345 degrees.
The term “Kinh Trap” in Han characters signifies the emergence of thunder, signaling the awakening and proliferation of insects and other creatures. It literally translates to “insects hatching.”
2 When is the Kinh Trap Festival Observed?
Start of the Kinh Trap Festival
Following the sequence of 24 solar terms, the Kinh Trap Festival falls between Wu Shui and Chun Fen. It is observed from March 5 or 6 to around March 20-21 in the Eastern Asian time zone.
In 2023, the Kinh Trap Festival will commence on Sunday, March 5, 2022, corresponding to the 14th day of the second lunar month in the Quy Mao year. It will conclude on Monday, March 20, 2023, which is the 29th day of the second lunar month in the same year.
Learn More: Explore the significance and timing of the 24 solar terms throughout the year.
3 Characteristics of the Kinh Trap Festival
Characteristics of the Kinh Trap Festival
As the third solar term of spring, the Kinh Trap Festival marks a time of blooming flowers and burgeoning life. One of its most prominent characteristics is the sudden proliferation of insects, weeds in the fields, and the emergence of various diseases in livestock and poultry.
Additionally, thunder and lightning are common occurrences during this period. Certain plants, such as bamboo shoots, undergo unique biological changes to adapt to their environment.
According to ancient wisdom, the spring thunder triggers a bitter taste in young bamboo shoots, even before they have fully matured. This is nature’s way of defending against potential attackers.
4 Significance of the Kinh Trap Festival
Significance of the Kinh Trap Festival
For Humans
During the Kinh Trap Festival, the yang energy in the human body is at its peak, influencing one’s temperament. This can lead to irritability and a short temper, potentially causing conflicts in daily life and work.
For Nature
In an agricultural country like Vietnam, the Kinh Trap Festival holds great importance for farmers. Fruit trees enter the pollination phase with the assistance of beneficial insects, enhancing the efficiency of the process.
However, this period also marks the rampant destruction of crops by insects. The cool climate and high humidity create favorable conditions for the outbreak of diseases in livestock and poultry. Farmers need to take proactive measures to eradicate pests and thoroughly clean their barns to prevent the worst-case scenario.
5 Recommended Activities During the Kinh Trap Festival
Preventing Pest and Diseases, Cleaning Barns
Preventing Pest and Diseases, Cleaning Barns
For farmers, the priority during the Kinh Trap Festival is to prevent the outbreak of diseases in livestock and the destruction of crops by pests.
Knowing the timing of the festival and taking proactive measures such as cleaning barns, clearing the surrounding bushes for better ventilation, regularly inspecting the fields, and learning scientific pest control methods can be immensely beneficial for farmers during this critical period.
Tribute to the White Tiger God
To pray for peace and good fortune during the Kinh Trap Festival, our ancestors often held a ceremony to pay tribute to the White Tiger God, which included the custom of “beating the petty people.”
In folk belief, the White Tiger God rules over all creatures in nature and holds supreme power over animals and insects. The tribute ceremony was performed to seek protection and blessings for crops and livestock, ensuring abundant harvests and prosperity for farmers.
Tribute to the White Tiger God
Sowing and Germinating
Sowing and Germinating
During the Kinh Trap Festival, farmers in some Vietnamese rural areas begin sowing seeds for the new crop season.
Additionally, starting a new crop or planting fruit trees during this period is considered auspicious, as it promotes rapid growth and lush foliage.
We hope this article has answered your questions about the Kinh Trap Festival. Stay tuned for more insightful content on various topics that will enrich your life!