Subdivisions of February and Folk Customs

In February there are Ripchun and Usu belonging to the ２４ seasonal divisions.

Ripchun, as the first seasonal division of the year, means the opening of spring, falling on about February ３-５.

From old times, our people used to keep their houses clean, and make foods with spring greens on this day.

In particular, cattle-related ceremonies were held during the period.

Meanwhile, Usu means the beginning of spring rain after a thaw and falls on about February １８-２０.

From Usu, the thawing of snow begins in the whole area except the highlands in the northern part of the country, and the farmers make haste with preparations for farming from then on.

In those days, they played various folk games such as yut-game, tug of war, seesawing and kite-flying.

February ４ and １９ are Ripchun and Usu for this year.

Rodong Sinmun