Traditional festival in ancient China, focused on prayers for a good harvest. The date of the festival falls approximately on the fifth Wu day after Li Chun (Beginning of Spring), which is near the vernal equinox. The observance of Spring Sacrifice flourished particularly during the Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279 CE). Differences concerning the date on which to carry out ritual sacrificial ceremonies developed between the official and the civil communities in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 CE). From then on, official rituals were held according to the calendar of the Tang Dynasty, while civilians held ceremonies on the second day of the second lunar month. Observances included earth god worship, community feasts, and eating spring rolls. The tradition has waned in modern times.
