|
Farmer's Day
Each year around the 15th of the first month on the Chinese calendar
is the "Start of Spring", marking the passing of winter and the arrival
of spring. At the first national agriculture and forestry meeting held
in the wartime capital of Chungking on March 12, 1941, representatives
unanimously agreed that because agriculture is the basis of the nation
and farmers accounted for more than 75 percent of the population, a
commemorative holiday should be established with competitions and awards
to encourage progress in agriculture. It was decided that February 4
(near the Start of Spring) would be designated Farmer's Day, and declared each year
by the Executive Yuan.
 The
goal of the Start of Spring holiday is to encourage farmers to finish
preparations for spring plowing. The main activity is "whipping the
Spring Ox," supervised by various government officials to show the importance
of agriculture. The "Spring Ox" is a colorful paper cow stuffed with
"the five grains" which pour out when the cow is whipped, a symbolic
omen for a good harvest. While hitting the Spring Cow, the following
words are said: "With the first hit comes timely and favorable weather;
with the second comes fertile land and warm rains; with the third comes
a peaceful start to a new year; with the fourth comes peace through
the four seasons; with the fifth comes a harvest of the five grains;
and with the sixth comes springtime to the Six Unities or universe."
Other customs include drinking Spring Wine; eating the Plate of Spring
Foods (celery, chives, and bamboo shoots which are homophones for industriousness,
longevity, and prosperity); and worshipping the Spring Deity, the Earth
God who is prayed to for a good harvest.
 
|