Spring Equinox (春分), the fourth of China’s 24 solar terms, often arrives between March 19 and March 22. On this day, the sun shines directly over the equator, making daytime and nighttime equal. Afterward, days grow longer in the Northern Hemisphere (半球), warming the earth and waking the flowers. Let’s discover four traditions of this special solar term!
1) The Egg Challenge
People love balancing eggs on the Spring Equinox, making them stand upright (直立的)! Though it’s said to bring luck, science explains it’s possible because Earth’s position creates better balance. A 4-5-day-old egg works best — its settled yolk lowers the center of gravity.
2) Kites with Wishes
Flying kites is a timeless Spring Equinox joy. Long ago, people wrote health wishes on kites and released them to “send away” sickness. Today, families write blessings like “good harvest” for the sky gods to see.
3) Spring’s Tasty Greens
Eating fresh spring vegetables — like wild herbs or bamboo shoots — is a healthy tradition. The ancient book Huangdi Neijing teaches that seasonal foods keep people strong and bring good fortune.
4) Swallows and Farmers
Swallows, known as “spring’s messengers”, return north during this time. Poets like Tao Yuanming praised their beauty: “New swallows dance into my house.” Meanwhile, farmers in southern China plant crops and reward hardworking cattle with sticky rice balls.
Fun Fact:
Ancient Chinese divided Spring Equinox into three phases: swallows arrive, thunder rumbles, and then lightning flashes — a poetic way to welcome spring!
As flowers bloom and fields turn green, Spring Equinox reminds us to celebrate nature’s balance and new beginnings.
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1.1. What helps eggs stand upright during Spring Equinox?
A The temperature changes.
B The Earth’s position.
C The shape of the eggs.
D The season’s humidity (湿度).
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第二段中的“Earth’s position creates better balance”可知，春分这天，地球的位置（南北半球昼夜都一样长的日子，呈66.5度倾斜的地球地轴与地球绕太阳公转的轨道平面处于一种力的相对平衡状态）让立蛋变得更简单。故选B。
2.2. What does the underlined word “them” refer to?
A Wishes.
B Skies.
C Kites.
D Sicknesses.
解析：选C。C 词意指代题。根据第三段划线单词所在句“Long ago, people wrote health wishes on kites and released them to ‘send away’ sickness.”可知，人们在风筝上写下关于健康的愿望并放飞它们来“送走” 疾病，即“them”指代的是前面提到的风筝，即kites。故选C。
3.3. How does Huangdi Neijing explain eating seasonal greens?
A It improves health and brings good luck.
B It helps prevent common diseases.
C It improves children’s growth.
D It makes food taste better.
解析：选A。A 细节理解题。根据第四段中的“seasonal foods keep people strong and bring good fortune”可知，《黄帝内经》提到时令食物使人健康且能带来好运。故选A。
4.4. Why do farmers in southern China give cattle sticky rice balls?
A To attract more swallows.
B To appreciate their hard work.
C To prepare for thunder season.
D To keep them warm in spring.
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第五段中的“farmers in southern China plant crops and reward hardworking cattle with sticky rice balls.”可知，农民奖励耕牛糯米饭团是为了感谢它们在春耕中的辛勤劳作。故选B。
5.5. Which title best summarizes the article?
A The Role of Swallows in Spring
B The Science Behind Spring Equinox
C Ancient Chinese Farming Tips
D Customs of the Spring Equinox
解析：选D。D 主旨大意题。全文主要介绍了春分节气的相关习俗。故选D。
