雨水：润泽万物的节气
雨水，是二十四节气中的第二个节气，通常在公历 2 月 18 – 20 日交节。此时，气温逐渐回升，冰雪开始融化，降水增多，故而得名雨水。它宛如大自然奏响的一曲温润乐章，为世间万物的复苏与生长带来了不可或缺的滋润与生机。
一、雨水的历史渊源
雨水节气在古代农耕文化中占据着重要地位。早在《月令七十二候集解》中就有记载：“正月中，天一生水。春始属木，然生木者必水也，故立春后继之雨水。且东风既解冻，则散而为雨矣。” 这表明古人已经深刻认识到雨水对于春季万物生长的关键作用。在传统农业社会，雨水的到来意味着进入了春耕备耕的关键时期，人们会依据雨水的情况安排农事活动，如播种、灌溉等，它是农业生产的重要时间节点指引。
二、雨水的民俗文化
（一）饮食习俗
在雨水时节，一些地区有特定的饮食传统。例如，在四川等地有吃罐罐肉的习俗。人们用沙锅炖猪脚和大豆、海带等食材，再用红纸、红绳封罐口，送给家中长辈，以表达对长辈的关爱与祝福，希望他们在新的一年里身体健康。此外，春笋在雨水后也逐渐成为餐桌上的佳肴，其鲜嫩可口，寓意着节节高升，给人们带来新的希望与活力。
（二）传统活动
雨水节气有 “拉保保” 的民俗活动，主要流行于川西地区。“保保” 在当地指干爹。父母会在这一天为孩子认干爹，目的是保佑孩子健康成长、平安顺遂。通常会选择在有集贸市场的地方，父母带着孩子在人群中寻找合适的人，如果对方同意，就会举行简单的仪式，从此双方结为干亲关系。还有回娘家的习俗，出嫁的女儿会带上礼物回娘家探望父母，感谢父母的养育之恩，一家人团聚一堂，其乐融融。
三、雨水的文化意义
雨水是自然与人类生活紧密相连的生动体现。它标志着从寒冬向暖春的过渡，是大自然赋予万物生长力量的重要时刻。雨水的润泽象征着生命的滋养与延续，让大地从沉睡中苏醒，焕发出勃勃生机。在文化层面，雨水相关的民俗活动传承着家族亲情与社会关系，如 “拉保保” 增进了人与人之间的情感纽带，回娘家强化了家庭伦理情感。它也反映了中国人对自然变化的敏锐感知和对美好生活的不懈追求，人们在雨水时节顺应自然规律，积极开展农事与社交活动，期待在新的一年里能够风调雨顺、家庭和睦、幸福安康。
Rain Water: The Solar Term that Nourishes All Things
Rain Water is the second solar term among the twenty-four solar terms, usually occurring around February 18 – 20 in the Gregorian calendar. At this time, the temperature gradually rises, ice and snow start to melt, and precipitation increases, hence the name Rain Water. It is like a gentle and moist melody played by nature, bringing essential moisture and vitality for the revival and growth of all things in the world.
1. Historical Origin of Rain Water
The Rain Water solar term held an important position in ancient agricultural culture. As early as recorded in “The Collection and Explanation of the Seventy-two Phenological Terms of the Monthly Ordinances”: “In the middle of the first lunar month, heaven gives birth to water. Spring belongs to wood at the beginning, but the growth of wood must rely on water. Therefore, after the Beginning of Spring comes Rain Water. And since the east wind has thawed the ice, it disperses and turns into rain.” This shows that the ancients had a profound understanding of the crucial role of Rain Water for the growth of all things in spring. In traditional agricultural society, the arrival of Rain Water meant entering a crucial period of spring ploughing and preparation. People would arrange farming activities such as sowing and irrigation according to the situation of Rain Water. It is an important time node guidance for agricultural production.
2. Folk Culture of Rain Water
(1) Dietary Customs
During the Rain Water season, there are specific dietary traditions in some regions. For example, in Sichuan and other places, there is a custom of eating pot-roasted meat. People use a casserole to stew pig’s feet with soybeans, kelp and other ingredients, and then seal the mouth of the pot with red paper and red string and give it to the elders in the family to express care and blessings for them, hoping that they will be healthy in the new year. In addition, bamboo shoots also gradually become delicacies on the table after Rain Water. They are fresh and delicious, symbolizing continuous progress and bringing new hope and vitality to people.
(2) Traditional Activities
There is a folk activity called “Finding a Godfather” during the Rain Water solar term, which is mainly popular in western Sichuan. “Godfather” here refers to a child’s adoptive father. Parents will find an adoptive father for their child on this day to pray for the child’s healthy growth and safety. Usually, they will choose a place with a market. Parents take their children to look for a suitable person in the crowd. If the other party agrees, a simple ceremony will be held, and from then on, the two parties form an adoptive relationship. There is also a custom of a married daughter returning to her natal home. The married daughter will bring gifts back to her natal home to visit her parents, to express gratitude for their upbringing. The whole family gets together and enjoys a happy time.
3. Cultural Significance of Rain Water
Rain Water is a vivid manifestation of the close connection between nature and human life. It marks the transition from the cold winter to the warm spring and is an important moment when nature endows all things with the power of growth. The moistening of Rain Water symbolizes the nourishment and continuation of life, awakening the earth from its slumber and making it full of vitality. On a cultural level, the folk activities related to Rain Water inherit family affection and social relations. For example, “Finding a Godfather” enhances the emotional bond between people, and a married daughter returning to her natal home strengthens family ethical emotions. It also reflects the Chinese people’s acute perception of natural changes and their unremitting pursuit of a beautiful life. People conform to the laws of nature during the Rain Water season and actively carry out farming and social activities, looking forward to favorable weather, family harmony, happiness and well-being in the new year.
