In China, there are 24 solar terms (节气) in a year. And there are six solar terms in winter. They are beginning of winter, light snow, heavy snow, winter solstice (冬至), lesser cold (小寒) and greater cold.
Beginning of winter usually falls on November 7th or 8th. On this day, after a year of hard work, people are happy to have a rest and spend time with the family. The northern China celebrates beginning of winter as the "Small Spring Festival". People usually have dumplings and mutton soup on that day.
Light snow usually falls on November 22nd or 23rd and heavy snow usually falls on December 7th or 8th. When winter solstice comes, it brings the shortest days of the year and the longest nights. Many places around the country can expect the coldest weather.
Greater cold comes after lesser cold. The field is covered with snow. And all Chinese are ready to welcome the Spring Festival after it. Of course, a new round of solar terms will start.
