立春（pronounced laap tsun, translates “Establish Spring”）is the first solar term of the ancient lunisolar calendar. It begins on the day when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 315°, some astronomical intelligence of our ancestors from pre-historical times. It reminds of the newness of spring, the rejuvenating energy and a let-the-harsh-season-of-winter-be-gone kind of merit.
As H-city’s social media celebrated the solar term last week, I looked at my maidenhair — the two fern plants I have kept since 2022. Now both had the look of a scaly sea urchin, as pathetic as you could imagine if you reminiscent the beautiful fronds it used to have. They were testaments to my dedicated plant-care and have always occupied the spots that could best exhibit their airy forms. Unfortunately, they did not make it through the two weeks when I was away. Seeing them again, the palm-shaped pinnules were dull and stubbornly rolled up, stalks buckled at a single stroke. It was heartbreaking.
I continued to water it for a week but there were no signs of recovery. On a Saturday morning I cut away everything until all that remained were some 1–2 centimetres stalks on the black root ball. Then for three weeks I was watering two naked plants, carefully moving them between the living room and bedroom to capture every winter sun (there was definitely a problem of scarcity in the United Kingdom). All the while I suspected myself feeding two dead species. I wondered what life it had denied.
Two days before 立春, one maidenhair surprised me with new-born fiddleheads. I gasped with excitement. As I continued to look at it intensely, thinking what to do next, the mood changed. These shy-looking little things — had they enjoyed hibernation or had they finally realised their pettish behaviour? Would it regret its arrogance like the Rose of the Little Prince?
Because I had always felt it secretly enjoys the attention from those who visits this home. The almost innocent charm when light permeates its thin pinnules, that granted it a fairy-like name, with a soft glowing green that hints its vitality and fragility.
10.02.24
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#naturewriting #maidenhairfern #plants #writing #hkmama #spring #立春
