A swallow. [Photo/IC]

Wearing fabric swallows
“佩燕子”

Wearing fabric swallows is a custom in some regions in Shaanxi. Every Start of Spring, people like to wear a swallow made of colorful silk on their chests. The custom originated during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). The swallow is a harbinger of spring and a symbol of prosperity and happiness.
陜西某些地方立春時節有“佩燕子”的風俗。每年立春，人們喜歡在胸前佩戴用彩綢剪成的“燕子”，這種風俗起自唐代。因為燕子是報春的使者，也是幸福吉利的象征。