立春 (Lì chūn) in Taiwan — The Beginning of Spring (Feb 4th)

立春 (Lì chūn) marks the beginning of spring in the traditional East Asian calendar. It usually falls on February 4 and is the first of the 24 solar terms used historically across China, Taiwan, and other parts of East Asia to track seasonal change.

In Taiwan, 立春 is not a public holiday, but it remains an important cultural and seasonal marker — especially in traditional calendars, temples, and households that still follow lunar–solar rhythms.

What Does 立春 Mean?

Unlike Western calendar seasons, which are fixed by dates, the solar terms are based on the sun’s position. 立春 signals the moment when winter begins to recede and spring officially starts, even though the weather may still feel cold.

Culturally, 立春 represents:

• renewal and beginnings

• the return of yang energy

• preparation rather than celebration

  
  

It is not about visible change, but about direction — the year turning toward growth.

Is 立春 a Public Holiday in Taiwan?

No. 立春 is not a public holiday in Taiwan, and schools, offices, and shops operate as normal.

However, it is still recognised in:

• traditional almanacs

• temple calendars

• seasonal health and food practices

• cultural media and educational contexts

  
  

You may see it mentioned on calendars, in news segments, or in temple notices, even if daily life continues unchanged.

How 立春 Is Observed in Taiwan

Observance of 立春 in Taiwan is quiet and understated.

Common cultural associations include:

• temple visits for general well-being and balance

• symbolic “welcoming spring” prayers

• seasonal food adjustments believed to support the body’s transition from winter

• calligraphy or written displays featuring spring-related characters

  
  

There are no large-scale public celebrations, parades, or fireworks tied specifically to 立春. Its significance lies in awareness, not spectacle.

立春 and the Traditional Calendar

As the first solar term of the year, 立春 sets the tone for the months ahead. Traditionally, it marked:

• the start of agricultural preparation

• the planning phase of the year

• a symbolic reset after winter

Even today, many people view 立春 as a moment to reflect, organise, and realign intentions — a quieter counterpart to Lunar New Year celebrations.

Why 立春 Still Matters Today

In modern Taiwan, 立春 survives not as a festival, but as a cultural reference point — one that connects contemporary life to older ways of understanding time, nature, and seasonal flow.

It reminds us that change often begins long before it becomes visible.

Cultural Calendar Note

Date: February 4 2026

Type: Solar Term (節氣)

Public Holiday: No

Theme: Beginning of Spring