The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Major Snow, the 21st solar term of the year, begins this year on Dec 7 and ends on Dec 20. . Here are five things you should know.
Snowy winter
, breaking tree branches and blocking the road. In the south, snowflakes fall and the world turns white. A proverb about the snow says, "A timely snow promises a good harvest". As the snow covers the ground, the low winter temperature kills pests.
Appreciating plum blossoms
Plum blossoms usually flower in mid-to-late December in some southern cities of China, and sometimes bloom even earlier. The plum blossom is admired in Chinese culture for its toughness during severe winters.
Eating lamb
Lamb is a favorite food for Chinese people during Major Snow. . People in Chongqing like to have potted lamb soup or stewed lamb soup with their families and friends.
Eating porridge
Hot porridge could help warm you and nourish (滋养) your body in cold weather. In China, it's customary to eat red bean porridge on the first day of Major Snow. , such as wheat porridge, sesame porridge, radish porridge, walnut porridge and tuckahoe porridge.
Preventing lung illness
During this period, Chinese people watch for outbreaks of lung illness, which can be prevented by properly drinking water. During Major Snow, it's drier and colder, so people should drink more water. But you should not drink too much water at once. .
A. In addition, there are other varieties
B. People in southern China make sausages
C. The snow falls at night and melts in the day
D. Don't drink cold water after exercise, either
E. The snow in North China may last a whole day
F. It's excellent for protecting the body against the cold
G. During this period, the temperature drops significantly
