It's been another year after the big cold!
The Great Cold, the last of the 24 solar terms in China, usually occurs around January 20 of each year in the Gregorian calendar. The name of this solar term comes from the ancient Chinese people's observation and feeling of climate change, which means that the weather is extremely cold. The Great Cold Solar Term marks the end of the coldest period of the year, and spring is not far off.
First, the climatic characteristics of the Great Cold Solar Term.
During the Great Cold Solar Term, the temperature is generally low, and the weather is cold and dry, often accompanied by weather phenomena such as strong winds and snowfall. In the northern region, the big cold solar term is often the coldest period of the year, and there is a saying that "the big cold is better than the small cold". However, temperatures have begun to rise gradually during this period, albeit at a slower rate. During the period of the Great Cold Solar Term, the intersection of cold and warm air is more frequent, and weather phenomena such as strong cooling, frost, freezing, strong winds, and heavy snow are prone to occur.
2. Phenological characteristics of the Great Cold Solar Term.
In ancient China, through the observation and experience of the natural environment, people summed up the phenological characteristics of the Great Cold Solar Term. According to the record of the Yellow Emperor's Neijing, in the cold season, the geese have flown south, the water begins to freeze, the ground begins to freeze, and the pheasant enters the water as a mirage. This indicates that the Great Cold Solar Term has entered a cold winter, and the natural environment has undergone significant changes.
Third, the Xi culture of the Great Cold Solar Term.
Although the Great Cold Festival is cold, it has rich Xi and activities in traditional Chinese culture. Here are some of the Xi cultures associated with the Great Cold Solar Term:
1. Food supplement:
The Great Cold Solar Term is one of the coldest periods of the year, and in order to ward off the cold, people will consume some warm foods to strengthen their physique. For example, mutton, chicken, walnuts, red dates, etc. are all common warm foods. In addition, sticky rice and red bean sticky rice are also eaten in some places.
2. Plum appreciation:
The Great Cold Solar Term coincides with the wax moon, and it is also the season of plum blossoms. In traditional Chinese culture, the plum blossom is regarded as a symbol of nobility and tenacity, and some literati and artists will appreciate the plum blossom and chant poems to express their emotions.
3. Sweep the tomb and worship the ancestors:
The Great Cold Solar Term is also a period of traditional tomb sweeping and ancestor worship. Some places pay tribute to their ancestors on this day to express their remembrance and respect for their ancestors.
4. Play the Ninety-Nine Chilling Diagram:
In order to survive the long winter, some literati would play the Ninety-Nine Chill Diagram, which is a way to record the change in temperature through painting or writing, as a way to pass the time and ** the arrival of spring.
5. Snowball fights, building snowmen:
In the northern region, the snow season has already entered during the Great Cold Solar Term. Children love snowball fights and snowman building in the snow to celebrate this cold season.
6. Enjoy the snow scene
During the Great Cold Season, beautiful snow scenes appear all over the country. People will enjoy the snow scenes, take pictures, and feel the beauty of nature.
7. Eat eight-treasure rice:
During the Great Cold Solar Term, Babao rice is eaten in some places. It is a traditional delicacy made from glutinous rice and a variety of other ingredients that has the effect of warming the body from the cold.
8. Paste window flowers and spring couplets:
In order to welcome the arrival of the new year, some families will put window grilles and spring couplets in their houses. These red decorations not only add to the festive atmosphere, but also convey people's expectations and blessings for a better life.
9. Keep the New Year and press the New Year's money: On the night of the Great Cold Solar Term, some families will keep the New Year and wait for the arrival of the New Year. The children will also receive New Year's money as a gift, which means that they wish them a safe, healthy and smooth growth.
10, the "year" of the wax sacrifice:
In ancient agrarian societies, the ancients would hold sacrificial ceremonies at the end of the year, and the "wax sacrifice" was one of the most important festivals at the end of the year. There are two meanings of "wax": one is called "wax" on the day of the winter solstice, and the other is called "wax" on the third day after the winter solstice. The ancients believed that the third day after the winter solstice was the time when the cold winter was coming to an end and spring was warm, which was the most suitable time to worship ancestors and gods. "Sui" has the meaning of harvest, and "New Year's Festival" is also called "New Year's End Wax Festival". This ritual gradually evolved into a folk cultural activity. At the end of the year, when ceremonies are held to worship ancestors and gods, people pray for good luck in the coming year, such as good weather and good harvest, good harvest and good fortune in the family. This ritual is also accompanied by a series of celebrations and food making.
The great cold is at the end of the year, winter goes to spring, and once the great cold passes, a new cycle begins.