What is the March 3rd Festival? Revealing the origin and customs of the March 3rd Festival

What festival is March 3rd? As the folk saying goes: On March 3rd, boil eggs. The third day of the third month of the lunar calendar is a traditional festival for many ethnic groups in China. Next, let us learn about the origins and customs of March 3rd of different ethnic groups.

What is the March 3rd festival?

March 3rd Shangsi Festival

There is a saying in China since ancient times: "On the second day of the second month, the dragon raises its head; on the third day of the third month, Xuanyuan is born." Therefore, for the Han nationality, March 3rd is a festival to commemorate Emperor Huangdi. "March 3rd" was also called "Shangsi Festival". After the Wei and Jin Dynasties, Shangsi Festival was changed to March 3rd. Another custom on March 3rd is to wear orchid or du ruo on your body before going to the waterside to drive away evil spirits. It has been passed down from later generations and has now become a festival for feasting by the water and outings in the suburbs.

March 3rd Picnic Festival

Most of the Li ethnic group’s festivals are the same as those of the Han ethnic group, but the Li ethnic group has a unique lunar festival called “March 3rd”, which is their traditional outing festival. Every March 3rd, young people of the Li ethnic group bring bamboo tubes of fragrant rice and colorful umbrellas to the Wuzhi Mountain to welcome the spring.

March 3rd Black Rice Festival

"March 3rd" is a traditional festival of the She ethnic group. It is held on the third day of the third month of the lunar calendar every year and is also known as the "Black Rice Festival." March 3rd is considered the birthday of rice, and every family eats black rice. It is said that among the She people, March 3rd is an important festival that can be compared with the Spring Festival. On the third day of March, every family slaughters animals and offers sacrifices to their ancestors. Many families often choose this day to hold their wedding. Eat black rice during festivals. When night falls, a bonfire party is held and people compete in singing.