Major Snow is the 21st solar term of the 24 solar terms and this year falls on Dec. 6th. The arrival of Major Snow signals colder weather. At this time of the year, the lowest temperatures in most areas drop to 0°C or below, and heavy snowfalls, even blizzards, usually fall in areas fronted by strong cold air, where cold and warm air meet.
During the Major Snow period, in addition to southern China and southern Yunnan winter-free zone, the earth has been dressed in winter clothes, and winter wheat stopped growing, but at this time agricultural activities are still not easy. Snow covers the earth so that the ground and the temperature around the crop will not fall too low, for winter crops to create a good overwintering environment. When the snow melts, the soil moisture content increases, which is exactly what crops need for spring growth.
Marinating Cured Meat
Upon the arrival of Major Snow, many households in the south of China busily engage in marinating cured meat. During the Major Snow period, the weather turned cold, and in ancient times when preservation methods were limited, people found that meat products cured during this time would not easily spoil. Thus, with the onset of the Major Snow, families would prepare salted meats to welcome China’s Spring Festival.
Enjoying Ice Viewing
During the Major Snow solar term, rivers and lakes freeze over, and many park lakes open their ice rinks for public enjoyment, allowing visitors to skate and play on the ice.
Seasonal Health Preservation
The Major Snow period is an excellent time for nourishment and health preservation. Winter supplementation can boost human immunity, promote metabolism, and improve the condition of feeling excessively cold. At this time, it's advisable to consume more foods that are warming in nature, such as garlic, ginger, radishes, green onions, mutton, sweet potatoes, yams, longan, chestnuts, sesame seeds, peanuts, and others, which help to ward off the cold.
(By Yang Jiming/ Qi Qian)
