Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects) – Spring’s Gentle Awakening
Jingzhe (惊蛰), known as the “Awakening of Insects,” is the third solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar. It usually falls in early March and marks a special moment when both the land and living things start to fully wake up after the long winter.
As the weather grows warmer, thunder can be heard for the first time in many parts of China. This is a sign that spring is truly here. The sound of thunder in this season is believed to “wake up” hibernating insects and animals hidden in the earth. It is common to see more earthworms, frogs, and small bugs in gardens and fields during this time.
Jingzhe is an important period for farmers. They begin to prepare for the busy planting season by loosening the soil and checking farm tools. In some places, people follow the tradition of cleaning their homes to keep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. Many families also eat dishes with pears. People believe that eating pears helps clear dryness in the mouth and throat, which is common in early spring.
Another interesting custom is beating drums or striking gongs to drive away harmful insects from the fields. This old practice adds to the festival atmosphere in rural areas.
Jingzhe teaches people to notice the small changes in their surroundings—the first buds, fresh green grass, and the sound of birds singing. It is a time to feel refreshed and ready for the hard work and energy spring will bring.

互动练习
根据短文内容,完成下列句子。每空一词。
- Jingzhe is the ________ solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar.
- Thunder is believed to wake up hibernating ________ and animals.
- Farmers start to prepare the soil and check their ________ during Jingzhe.
- People often eat ________ to keep their mouths and throats comfortable.
- Some villages beat drums or gongs to drive away harmful ________.
Word Bank 词汇集锦
- insect /ˈɪn.sekt/ n. 昆虫
- farmer /ˈfɑː.mər/ n. 农民
- thunder /ˈθʌn.dər/ n. 雷声
- tool /tuːl/ n. 工具
- pear /peər/ n. 梨
- hibernating /ˈhaɪ.bə.neɪtɪŋ/ adj. 冬眠的
- bud /bʌd/ n. 芽
- gong /ɡɒŋ/ n. 锣
文章难度 📊CEFR 等级:B1

惊蛰是中国农历二十四节气中的第三个,通常出现在三月初,这是大地和生灵在漫长冬季后苏醒的重要时刻。
随着气温升高,许多地方会首次听到春雷。这代表着真正春天的到来。人们相信春雷“唤醒”了冬眠的昆虫和地下的动物。此时,花园和田野里常常能见到蚯蚓、青蛙和各种小虫活动起来。
惊蛰对于农民来说意义重大,他们会开始松土、检查农具,为春耕做准备。在一些地方,人们会打扫房屋,以辟邪迎福。还有不少家庭会吃梨,因为大家认为吃梨有助于春季润喉。
另一有趣的习俗是敲鼓或打锣,用来驱赶田里的害虫。这种做法在农村增添了节日气氛。
惊蛰提醒人们留意身边的细微变化——像新发的嫩芽、翠绿的草地和鸟儿的歌唱。这是一个让人感到清新、为春天的辛勤耕作和充沛精力做好准备的时刻。
✨答案
- third
- insects
- tools
- pears
- insects