Fishermen in Rongcheng, a county-level city in Weihai, Shandong province, held a grand celebration to worship the sea on April 18, just before the Grain Rain.

Grain Rain (Chinese: 谷雨) is the last term in the spring according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. It starts on April 20 and ends on May 4. It signals the end of cold weather and a rapid rise in temperature.

Many fishing villages in the coastal areas of northern China observe the Grain Rain festival as the solar term marks the start of the fishermen's first voyage of the year. The custom dates back more than 2,000 years ago, when people believed they owed a good harvest to the gods that protected them from the stormy seas.

Pious fishermen residing on the Jiaodong Peninsula have the tradition to hold sacrificial rites for the sea during the three days before and after the Grain Rain to pray for the safety of fishermen, as well as for a good harvest.

Such traditions in Rongcheng have been included as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Fishermen hold a grand celebration to worship the sea on April 18 in Rongcheng, Shandong province. [Photo by Li Xinjun/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Local fishermen worship the sea and stage sacrificial rites in Rongcheng, Shandong province. [Photo by Li Xinjun/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Fishermen's big drum is performed at the sacrificial ceremony. [Photo by Li Xinjun/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Local residents stage folklore performances at the sacrificial ceremony. [Photo by Li Xinjun/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A dragon dance is staged at the sea worship ceremony on April 18 in Rongcheng, Shandong province. [Photo by Li Xinjun/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Fishermen in Rongcheng, Shandong province perform a traditional fishermen's song, a kind of work song during fishing, at the ceremony. [Photo by Li Xinjun/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Fishermen pray for a bountiful harvest and a safe voyage at the sea worship ceremony on April 18 in Rongcheng, Shandong province. [Photo by Li Xinjun/provided to chinadaily.com.cn]