What is Lap Chun 立春 (Lìchūn)?

In Chinese culture, a new year (lunar year) actually starts on Lap Chun (立春), the official first day of Spring in the Chinese lunar calendar, which usually falls on February 3, 4 or 5.  Lap Chun (in cantonese) is equivalent to the Spring/Vernal Equinox.  In mandarin, it is pronounce as Lìchūn. 

Meaning to say, for those born in the new Gregorian year but before Lap Chun, they are considered to be born in the previous year Chinese zodiac.  Example; if Ah Meng was born on 2nd Feb, 2001, he would be considered to be a golden (metal) dragon and not a golden (metal) snake, although general public would say 2001 is a year of the snake (Chinese New Year that year fell on 24th Jan, 2001).  Reason being, in the year 2001, Lap Chun fell on 3rd Feb. and the golden snake year had not started yet on the day Ah Meng was born.  So... as you may be able to see, Lap Chun is actually a very important day for all Chinese. 

There is a Chinese folk belief that it is much easier to balance an egg on a smooth surface during Lap
Chun day than at any other time of the year.  Balancing fresh chicken eggs on their broad end was a traditional Lap Chun ritual in China.  You don't believe it is easier to balance an egg on Lap Chun?  Then, give it a try on 4th Feb, 2012....

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Update on 4th Feb, 2012:

I did the testing at about 11.00pm and managed to balance/stand 8 fresh eggs.  

Will try again tomorrow night.