Pyongyang, February 1 (KCNA) -- In February there are Ripchun (the first day of spring) and Usu (the first rainfall of the year), the first and second seasonal divisions according to the lunar calendar

Ripchun falls on February 3-5.

From olden times, the Korean people have enjoyed a peculiar custom to greet Ripchun, the first seasonal division of spring.

On that day, they have kept their houses clean and often wrote about their pleasure of greeting spring. They cooked spring dishes with scallions grown in underground cellars and mustard in the mountains.

Ceremonies related with cattle hold a considerable proportion in the customs for farming in that period.

Usu falls on February 18-20.

In that period, the snow begins to thaw in the whole area of the country except highlands in the northern part, and the peasants have hastened their preparations for farming since then.

And people have played yut-game, tug of war, seesawing, kite-flying and other colorful folk games.

In February there is also the 15th of the first month according to lunar calendar. The Korean people have spent this holiday, taking noodles, ear-quickening wine, etc. and enjoying the moon in the evening.

This year, Ripchun falls on February 4 and Usu on February 19. -0-