Three Minutes to Talk About Culture The heavy snow solar term is the 20th of the 24 solar terms in the lunar calendar, usually on December 7 or 8 every year. The heavy snow solar term marks a further deepening of winter, with temperatures gradually dropping and the weather becoming colder. Here are some Xi related to the heavy snow season::
1.Eating dumplings: In northern China, the heavy snow solar term is the traditional time to eat dumplings. It is believed that eating dumplings keeps you warm and increases your stamina because the shape of dumplings resembles the sun in winter. In addition, dumplings also symbolize reunion and happiness.
2.Make snow cream: During the heavy snow season, some places will make a food called "snow cream". The large snow paste is made from glutinous rice and other materials that help to keep warm and increase stamina.
3.Pinching the little snowman: During the heavy snow season, children in some places will pinch the little snowman. They stack snowballs into different shapes of snowmen, and sometimes add features such as eyes, noses, and mouths to the snowmen.
4.Ancestor worship: In some places, people worship their ancestors during the heavy snow festival and pray for their ancestors to bless their families with safety and health.
5.Hanging red lanterns: In some places, people hang red lanterns during heavy snow festivals, symbolizing family prosperity and good fortune.
6.Picking winter fruits: During the heavy snow season, people in some places will pick winter fruits, such as persimmons, oranges, apples, etc. These winter fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals that help boost immunity and fight cold.
These Xi may vary from place to place, but they all reflect the importance and celebration of the heavy snow festival.