Feast of Excited Insects

Excited Insects, Feast of

On or around March 5Known as Kyongchip or Gyeongchip in Korea and as Ching Che in China, the Feast of Excited Insects marks the transition from winter to spring. It is the day when the insects are said to come back to life after hibernating all winter. In China, it is the day when "the dragon raises his head," summoning the insects back to life, and people perform various rituals designed to prepare for the onslaught and begin the task of restoring fertility to the earth. In Korea, this is one of 24 days in the lunar calendar that marks the beginning of a new season. Farmers prepare their fields and begin planting their barley, cabbage, and other vegetables.
SOURCES:
FolkWrldHol-1999, p. 204 (c)