The Great Cold, marked as the 24th solar term in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, signifies the peak of winter's chill. It usually falls around January 20th each year, when the northern hemisphere experiences its coldest period due to the Earth's tilt away from the sun at this time of the year.
This solar term is characterized by extreme weather conditions, with temperatures plummeting to their lowest points in many regions of China. Snowfall becomes more frequent, blanketing the landscape in a pristine layer of white that both beautifies and challenges, as roads may become treacherous and daily life demands extra precautions against the biting cold.
In agricultural terms, the Great Cold is a period of rest and preparation for the coming spring. Farmers, having completed the major harvesting tasks of autumn and winter, focus on maintaining their tools and land, anticipating the renewal of growth that will accompany the thawing of frost. Traditional practices include feeding livestock with nutrient-rich food to help them endure the harsh winter, and some areas observe rituals to pray for a bountiful harvest in the next season.
Culturally, the Great Cold is also a time for family gatherings and the enjoyment of hearty, warming foods. Hotpot, stews, and soups made with ginger, radish, and other ingredients believed to enhance warmth and health become staples on dining tables across the country. Additionally, customs such as making ice lanterns from frozen water in northern China add a festive touch to the otherwise severe winter landscape.
In essence, the Great Cold embodies the resilience and wisdom of the Chinese people, who have learned to coexist harmoniously with nature's cycles, celebrating the beauty of winter's stillness while preparing for the vitality of spring that lies ahead.