While Easter is just around the corner in Germany, the spring awakening in the Chinese province of Yunnan has been celebrated in the past few days. In Xishuangbanna, the center of the Dai ethnic group, the water sprinkling festival (泼水节) is celebrated. It is considered one of the most important festivals of the ethnic groups in southwest China. During the festival, water is seen as an auspicious symbol. The water sprinkling festival can also be found in different variations in various countries in South East Asia. It is based on Buddhist and popular ideas about the beginning of spring. The water also symbolizes the cleansing of illnesses and disasters. The tradition certainly is entertaining. But back to Germany: we wish all our readers a happy Easter!