ging1 zat6驚蟄惊蛰

Jyutpingging1 zat6

Yalegīng jaht

Definition

Awakening of Insects; the 3rd solar term of the traditional calendar, beginning around March 5th or 6th.

neutraltimefestival

How it's used

Cultural practices surrounding this solar term are deeply rooted in local folk traditions, particularly the ritual of 打小人. While it marks a seasonal transition in the agricultural calendar, most urban residents associate the term primarily with this superstitious practice performed at specific street locations. It is not a public holiday, but the date remains a significant marker for traditional businesses and elderly residents.

Examples

geng1驚zat6蟄go2嗰jat6日，hou2好do1多jan4人wui2會heoi3去ngo4鵝geng2頸kiu4橋daa2打siu2小jan2人。

On the day of Jingzhe, many people go to Canal Road Flyover to perform the 'villain hitting' ritual.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知gam1今nin4年ging1驚zik6蟄hai6係gei2幾si4時aa4呀？

Do you know when Jingzhe is this year?

Common phrases

ging1驚zik6蟄daa2打siu2小jan2人

villain hitting ritual on Jingzhe

Common mistake

Learners often mistake it for a general term for spring or thunder, but it specifically refers to the solar term date. Do not use it to describe the act of waking up from sleep or general weather patterns.