Chenqing 100

In honor of the date, this week's prompt celebrates Chunfen (春分), the traditional observance of the Vernal Equinox in China. This is the fourth of the twenty four solar terms of a lunisolar calendar first organized in the Warring States period and later refined during the Han Dynasty; this year, it started on March 20 and ends on April 3. From an astronomical standpoint, both the vernal and autumnal equinoxes are when the axial tilt of the earth is neutral relative to the sun, rendering the periods of light and dark as close to equal as they get. In the Chinese observance, this represents the balance and harmony in nature, and Chunfen is a time of renewal and growth. This was the time of planting in agriculture, of eating fresh spring vegetables and making herbal remedies, both believed to boost health and align with the season's energy. As with Xiazhi and Dongzhi, Chunfen is closely tied to the concepts of yin and yang, and is a period in which they are believed to be not only in balance, but working together. It is a rich observance to draw on for inspiration for writing this fandom.

As one of our recurring annual prompts, drabble sequences and drabble series are allowed. These formats are explained in this post, while the standard drabble formats are explained in the community rules.

You have until midnight your time on Friday, April 4, to answer this prompt. This is a two-week term in accordance with the length of the solar period itself. Please post your fills of the prompt as separate entries to the community (i.e. not replies to this entry), tagged with the prompt tag. You may post multiple standalone drabbles per entry in addition to drabble sequences and series.

As a reminder, this community has no official presence elsewhere. You are encouraged to share the prompt on social media, if you so desire. It may take me a bit to create the AO3 collection, so please be patient.

Also, I'm going to go ahead and drop a link to the prompt suggestions post here. New suggestions are always, always welcome.