As the chill of winter fades, vibrant cloth roosters adorn the marketplaces of China’s Shandong, Hebei, and Anhui provinces, heralding the arrival of Lichun—the Start of Spring. Falling on February 3 this year, Lichun marks the beginning of the first of the traditional 24 solar terms in the Chinese calendar.
In these rural regions, crafting colorful rooster decorations is a cherished tradition. Locals use bright yarn and fabric scraps to create these handmade roosters, often filling them with beans or cotton. But these aren’t just festive ornaments; they carry a deeper meaning rooted in language and culture.
The Chinese word for rooster, “ji,” sounds the same as the word for “fortune.” By stitching these vibrant roosters onto children’s sleeves or hats, parents express heartfelt wishes for good luck and happiness for their little ones. It’s a beautiful blend of art and affection, symbolizing hopes for a prosperous future as nature awakens around them.
As temperatures rise and the earth reawakens, these colorful roosters are a reminder of renewal and the enduring cultural practices that bind communities together. For many, they are more than decorations—they are tokens of joy, optimism, and the rich tapestry of Chinese heritage.
