Moderate Cold, as the 23rd solar term in the 24 solar terms, marks the official start of winter. It usually falls between January 5 and 7 each year, when the sun reaches 285°. The name of Moderate Cold comes from the Chinese lunar calendar, meaning that the weather is cold but not yet extreme, so it is called "Moderate Cold". The origin of this solar term can be traced back to the ancient agricultural civilization period, when people arranged farming activities according to changes in astronomical phenomena and climate, and gradually formed a system of 24 solar terms.
The Whisper of Winter's End
Moderate Cold is not only a solar term, but also the coldest season in winter. Although it is called "Moderate Cold", in fact, it often brings the coldest weather of the year. As the saying goes, "The coldest is in the 39th day of winter", and since the "39th day of winter" is basically within this solar term, there is a saying that "Moderate Cold is better than Major Cold". At this time, the northern region is covered with ice and snow, and the south begins to enter a wet and cold state.
Customs: Warming the Soul in Winter's Depths
Exploring plum blossoms and ice play
During the Moderate Cold season, many places will conduct plum blossom exploration activities to enjoy the fresh fragrance of plum blossoms. At the same time, people in the northern region would perform ice play on the frozen river surface, which was a form of entertainment in ancient times. These activities not only added to the festive atmosphere, but also made people feel warmth and hope in the cold.
La Festival and New Year's Goods Preparation
During the Moderate Cold, people would perform the La Festival, which is an important activity for year-end sacrifice, symbolizing peace and harvest. In addition, with the arrival of the Moderate Cold, people began to purchase New Year's goods and prepare for the Spring Festival. They were busy writing Spring Festival couplets, cutting window flowers, buying New Year pictures, lanterns, firecrackers and other items to prepare for the arrival of the Spring Festival.
Nourishing Cuisine: A Feast of Fortitude
In terms of diet, there are traditional customs such as eating glutinous rice and Laba porridge during theModerate Cold season. In Guangdong, there is a custom of eating glutinous rice in the morning of the Moderate Cold and the Great Cold to drive away the cold, believing that glutinous rice is warmer than rice. In addition, some places in the north will eat dumplings on this day, implying "Winter Solstice Dumplings and Summer Solstice Noodles", while some places in the south will choose to eat glutinous rice balls, symbolizing reunion, warmth and harmony.
Health Preservation: The Ancient Art of Well-being
The Moderate Cold season is the time when the evil spirits are the heaviest. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that we should focus on collecting essence and strengthening the body. The principles of keeping healthy are to go to bed early and get up late, keep warm, eat warm and nourishing food, regulate emotions and exercise moderately. For example, in northern regions, people will eat more cold-resistant foods, such as red dates, radishes, oranges, beef, chicken, etc.
Cultural connotation
The Moderate Cold is not only an important turning point in nature, but also an indispensable part of people's lives. By understanding and participating in the traditional customs, we can better live in harmony with nature, while taking appropriate health and wellness measures to welcome the coming spring. In this cold season, let us pay attention to keeping warm and enjoy the warmth and happiness brought by traditional customs.
In short, the Moderate Cold solar term is a period full of vitality and hope in Chinese traditional culture. It not only brings cold weather, but also carries rich cultural connotations and traditional customs, showing the profound heritage of Chinese traditional culture.
