We live in certain seasonal contexts and are embedded in nature with its events and natural changes. In China, the lunar calendar has existed since ancient times. The Yellow Emperor is said to have invented it. The chinese calendar divides the year into 24 sections, which describe certain changes in nature. The people depend on it, for example, to observe weather changes and to lead a healthy life.

On the days on which we offer ip, the 5th and 6th of March, the time span refers to the awakening of nature. This section is called 惊蛰, “The Awakening of Insects”, Jīngzhé. It is the third stage of spring in the traditional East Asian calendars. The meaning is that the hibernating animals now wake up again. Transferred to us one can say that the sleeping Qi is activated in our body. The energy of spring supports activities that are oriented towards new possibilities and growth.