Major cold final solar term of winter within Chinese twenty-four solar terms system embodying extreme cold and preparatory rituals for spring festival
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Jan . 20, 2026 13:46
Major Cold stands as final solar term in Twenty-Four Solar Terms, which was inscribed on UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This term carries profound significance in traditional Chinese culture, marking peak of winter cold and transition toward new seasonal cycle. After Major Cold, whole cycle of solar terms restarts, paving way for arrival of Start of Spring. Ancient text quoted in Comprehensive Examination of Timing Records explains that Major Cold is named so because it follows Minor Cold and represents most extreme cold condition in year.
Phenological changes during Major Cold reflect subtle shifts in nature despite harsh cold. Traditional phenology divides period into three stages. First stage is when chickens start hatching. As yang energy gradually rises even in deepest winter, environmental conditions become suitable for chicken hatching. Second stage features fierce hunting by birds of prey. Eagles and similar predatory birds fly briskly in sky, actively searching for food to replenish energy and resist severe cold. Third stage sees ice in waters freeze to thickest point, extending to center of rivers and lakes. This thick ice creates natural playground for children in northern regions, who enjoy ice-skating as popular winter activity.
Besides these three stages, flower phenology in southern areas also serves as sign of Major Cold. Fragrant osmanthus, orchid and sweet olive bloom successively, bringing faint fragrance to cold winter days and hinting at upcoming spring. These phenological markers were crucial for ancient people to arrange daily life and agricultural activities, embodying wisdom of coexisting with nature.
Meteorological conditions during Major Cold are characterized by frequent cold air outbreaks. Strong cold air moves southward, triggering cold waves—important winter weather phenomenon in China. Cold waves bring strong winds, sharp temperature drops, heavy snow and freezing rain. Northern regions are covered in thick, unmelting snow, presenting icy and snowy landscape. Though temperature in Major Cold is roughly similar to Winter Solstice in many areas, some regions even have milder weather than Minor Cold. This shows that Major Cold indicates trend of cold change rather than absolute lowest temperature.
Climate differs significantly between north and south. Most southern regions see slight increase in rainfall compared to previous period. Northern areas remain dry and cold with low temperatures persisting for long time. In southern regions without heavy snow, frost often covers fields in early morning, creating crystal-clear scenery under weak sunlight. Such diverse meteorological conditions shape varied life and production styles across different regions.
Agricultural activities during Major Cold focus on winter management and preparation for spring ploughing. Farm work in fields is scarce nationwide due to freezing weather, but farmers remain busy with necessary tasks. In northern regions, farmers concentrate on collecting and piling manure to fertilize soil for coming spring. They also strengthen cold protection measures for livestock, ensuring animals survive harsh winter. Some modern farmers adopt techniques like plastic film covering and straw incorporation to improve soil insulation and moisture retention, protecting winter wheat from freezing damage.
Southern agricultural work is more dynamic. Vegetables like Chinese cabbage and flowering cabbage grow well in greenhouses. Farmers adjust ventilation, water supply and fertilization daily, precisely controlling temperature and humidity to ensure stable supply of vegetables. Fruit growers prune branches of citrus and loquat trees, apply lime-sulfur mixture to eliminate overwintering pests and diseases, building solid defense for fruit trees against cold. Meanwhile, farmers in both north and south select seeds, repair farm tools and make full preparations for spring ploughing, laying foundation for next year’s harvest.
Folk customs during Major Cold are closely linked to welcoming Spring Festival, filling cold days with warm festive atmosphere. Since Major Cold is last solar term before Spring Festival, people start thorough house cleaning, known as dusting. Bamboo brooms are used to clean every corner of houses, including roof eaves and under furniture. This custom carries meaning of eliminating old things and welcoming new ones, as character for dust is homophonic with character for old in Chinese. Cleaned houses create fresh environment for Spring Festival celebrations.
Food customs during Major Cold focus on keeping warm and nourishing body. Different regions have unique dietary traditions. In northern areas, Laba Festival falls around Major Cold. People cook Laba porridge with mixed grains, peanuts, chestnuts, red dates and lotus seeds. Some prefer sweet version with rock sugar, while others like savory one with shredded meat and salt, which was called meat porridge in ancient times. Eating Laba porridge is essential part of holiday celebration, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
Southern food customs are equally diverse. Nanjing residents enjoy hot chicken soup to resist cold. Guangdong locals cook glutinous rice in clay pots, as glutinous rice is warm in nature and helps keep body temperature. Wealthy families pay attention to balanced diet, reducing amount of tonic food and adding ingredients with dispersing properties to adapt to rising yang energy in spring. In addition, preserved vegetables and meats prepared since Minor Snow and Major Snow are ready to eat during Major Cold. Beijing preserved vegetables, Sichuan pickles and northeast sauerkraut all become important parts of winter meals, carrying rich flavors of time and regional characteristics.
Worshipping rituals are also part of Major Cold customs. In southeast coastal areas, Tail Tooth Festival is held on sixteenth day of twelfth lunar month. This festival marks end of business year for merchants and prelude to Spring Festival for ordinary people. Rituals to worship earth deity are held, praying for good fortune in coming year. Some families also worship kitchen god, hoping for divine protection for household.
Health preservation during Major Cold follows principle of winter storage. People adjust daily routine by going to bed early and getting up late to conserve yang energy. Keeping warm is crucial, especially protecting hands, feet and neck from frostbite when going out. Diet should focus on warm and nourishing ingredients such as mutton, beef and glutinous rice, paired with fresh vegetables for balanced nutrition. Violent exercise is not recommended; mild activities like walking and stretching indoors or in sunny places promote blood circulation and enhance cold resistance.
Major Cold is more than just solar term marking extreme cold. It integrates natural changes, agricultural wisdom, folk customs and health concepts, reflecting ancient Chinese people’s understanding and adaptation to nature. As connecting link between winter and spring, it carries memories of year-end and expectations for new year. In modern society, though lifestyles have changed, traditions related to Major Cold are still passed down, reminding people of cultural roots and wisdom of living in harmony with seasons. When cold of Major Cold fades away, warm breath of spring will arrive, bringing new life and hope to all things.
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