迎春

迎春 is one of the 二十四节气-linked customs: on 立春 (the start of spring) magistrates traditionally led an 'ox-welcoming' procession in the east suburbs. Today it doubles as a label for all Lunar New Year festivities: 迎春晚会 (New Year gala), 迎春庙会 (spring fair). The flower 迎春花 earns its name by blooming first, in early February, ahead of the rest.

Also the name of the third Jia sister (贾迎春) in the classic novel 《红楼梦》, a sweet, passive character whose marriage to an abusive husband ends tragically.