Ipchun (立春), Onset of Spring

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"Landscape of Ipchun" painted by Lee Eok-yeong	Landscape of Spring in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do

"Ipchun" (立春), which literally means "onset of spring," is the first season of the 24 seasonal sub-divisions, or solar terms, of the lunar calendar. It usually falls between "Daehan" (大寒) and "Usu" (雨水), or around February 4 of the solar calendar. "Ipchun" is believed to be the start of spring. "Ipchun" is usually in January, but in some years it can take occur twice in the last and first months. Such a case is called "Jaebongchun" (再逢春), which literally means "repeated encounters with spring."

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Ipchunchuk Banners in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do

Around "Ipchun," the first season in a new year, there are many events related to agricultural ceremonies. Come "Ipchun," every household attaches "Ipchunchuk" (立春祝), or "spring welcoming message," on their entrance gate or gatepost. The banner customarily reads "Ipchundaegil" (立春大吉), which means "good fortune on the onset of spring," and "Geonyangdagyeong" (建陽多慶), which means "spring brings great fortune and happiness," while other well-wishing messages include "Upon opening the door, great fortune arrives and upon digging the earth, gold emerges" (開門萬福來 掃地黃金出).

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Ipchungut Exorcism in Jeju-do	Mogu Ritual in Hamgyeong-do

Since "Ipchun" is the first season of a new year, many ceremonies were held in the royal court and throughout the provinces. In the royal court the "Ipchunharye" (立春賀禮) ceremony was held. In Hamgyeong-do regions, "Mogu (木牛)-nori" featuring a wooden cow was performed to wish for a prosperous year. In Jeju Island, the Ipchungut Exorcism led by a shaman was held along with mask performances, which included acts that mimicked the plowing of a field and conflicts between a man’s wife and mistress.