Farmer's Day

According to ancient tradition, the first day of spring falls in the first month of the lunar calendar. Wise lawmakers in the Chungking government recognized how important the change in seasons is to a largely agrarian society, and they issued a decree in 1941 creating an official commemorative holiday recognizing the efforts of farmers. Nowadays, spring rites are celebrated on February 4, largely outside Taipei, with government ceremonies, including the whipping of paper oxen stuffed with grain, symbolic of good harvests to come. Prayers are also said for good health, fertile land, fair weather and pest-free crops.