Coming of Spring Ipchun
By Shim Hyun-chul
Staff Reporter
Spring rain announces the coming of the new season, bringing warmth to earthly creatures that have been shrinking back from the cold. Fresh sprouts bud out, yawning after a long winter of hibernation, and river currents pick up speed after halting in frozen stillness. Willows by riverbanks and Japanese apricot trees on the plains show the first signs of warmth.
Spring is all around us.
Show window mannequins have cast off heavy fur for flowery new outfits, and open-air markets brim with savory spring herbs like wild rocambole and shepherd's purse. Families gather to make fermented sauces and clean the house for the new season.
``Ipchun'' is one of the 24 seasonal divisions that mark the onset of spring. Traditionally, Koreans greet this day, which fell on a Wednesday this year, by posting words of wisdom on the pillars and ceilings of homes. This is called ``ipchuncheob'' and commonly written messages include ``ipchundaegil,'' meaning spring leading to great paths, and ``geongangdagyeong,'' or happiness and fortune arriving with spring. For about half a month following ipchun, mild easterly winds drive away the winter frost, bugs awaken from hibernation and fish start swimming beneath frozen lakes.
