The Major Snow Solar Term Has Arrived. Do You Know What Customs There Are?
Dec 06, 2024
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The "Major Snow" Solar Term Has Arrived. Do You Know What Customs There Are?
On December 6th, 2024, which is the sixth day of the eleventh lunar month, we welcomed the "Major Snow" solar term. This "Major Snow" solar term is actually the third solar term in winter, marking the official beginning of the midwinter season. And the weather is getting colder and colder. Today, I'd like to talk to you from the following aspects.
The Relationship between the Solar Term and People:
The "Major Snow" solar term is closely related to the life and production of ordinary people.
1. In terms of life, as the weather is cold at this time, everyone has to put on thick clothes and keep up with various measures for keeping warm. Things like heating, air conditioners, and hot water bottles all have to come into play.
2. From the perspective of production, farmer friends need to pay more attention to the cold protection and warmth preservation of crops. For example, they should take good anti-freezing measures for winter crops such as wheat, as this is related to next year's harvest.
3. Moreover, the climate change during the "Major Snow" solar term also has an impact on some industries. For example, in terms of transportation, roads are prone to icing on snowy days. People who drive or ride bicycles must be especially careful. Relevant departments also need to promptly carry out road cleaning and anti-slip work to ensure everyone's travel safety.
Matters Needing Attention:
Since the "Major Snow" solar term has arrived, there are quite a few things that we need to pay attention to.
First of all, it's about keeping warm. Make sure to dress warmly, especially for the head, hands, and feet. Don't get frozen. Elderly people and children should pay particular attention. Besides, the room should be ventilated frequently. Don't always keep the windows closed. Otherwise, the air won't circulate, and it will be easy for bacteria and viruses to breed, and people will be prone to getting sick. Also, don't take too long when taking a bath. Generally, a shower for 10 to 15 minutes is okay, and it's best that a bath doesn't exceed 20 minutes. Otherwise, there will be a lack of oxygen in the closed bathroom, which is not good for the body.
Additionally, don't rely too much on heating equipment when keeping warm. For example, electric blankets and hot water bottles shouldn't be used close to the body to avoid burns. When using air conditioners, attention should also be paid to maintaining the indoor air humidity.
In terms of emotions, winter is a high-incidence period for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Don't have too big emotional fluctuations. Keep a calm state of mind. As for exercise, it's best to choose the time between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Mild aerobic exercises like walking, practicing Taijiquan, and doing Baduanjin are quite good. Don't exercise too early or too much, or the heart will not be able to bear the burden.
Traditional Customs:
When it comes to the traditional customs of the "Major Snow" solar term, there are quite a few. In Xi'an, there are customs passed down by the older generation.
Eating Shaanxi-style beef burger:
Since ancient times, Xi'an has had the eating habit of "putting everything in a bun". During the "Major Snow" season, Shaanxi-style beef burger is very popular among people. The beef for it is usually selected from the prime cuts of the legs of Qinchuan yellow cattle. It is first marinated and then stewed, with exclusive seasonings such as star anise, Chinese prickly ash, and amomum added. After being slowly stewed over a low fire, it has a bright color, is tender and fragrant. Put it into the soft white Xi'an buns, and it tastes excellent. It is an indispensable part of the taste buds of Xi'an people in winter and also a must-try food for foreigners visiting Xi'an.
Drinking sweet potato porridge:
There is a saying in the folk of northern Shandong that "when the stone roller is used to block the door, people just drink sweet red porridge". Some areas in Xi'an also have the habit of drinking sweet potato porridge during the "Major Snow" solar term. Sweet potatoes have the effects of tonifying deficiency, replenishing qi, strengthening the spleen and stomach, and nourishing kidney yin. On a cold day, having a bowl of warm sweet potato porridge can not only warm the body but also nourish and keep healthy. I've been drinking it since I was a child, and it has a special flavor in winter.
Enjoying the snow:
During the "Major Snow" season, if it snows in Xi'an, people will be enthusiastic about enjoying the snow. After the snow stops and the sky clears, the land, mountains, and rivers are all covered in white, just like a magnificent palace in the sky. People will invite their relatives and friends to go to places like the city wall and parks to enjoy the snow scenery and feel the charm of nature. Some people will also make snowmen and have snowball fights in the snow, enjoying the fun of winter. Unfortunately, in recent years, such scenes are hard to come by. If you want to see the snow, you have to go to the Qinling Mountains in the Zhongnan Mountain Range to enjoy the snow scenery!
Curing meat:
There is a saying among the people that "curing meat in winter and the twelfth lunar month to prepare for the winter". As soon as the "Major Snow" solar term arrives, many families in Xi'an will be busy curing bacon and other "salted goods". People will heat salt with spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and Chinese prickly ash, and then smear the cooled mixture on the meat, rub it repeatedly, seal it for marinating, and then hang it in a ventilated place to dry, adding delicious food to the New Year's table. Of course, at this time of each year, people also start to make sausages. The sausages made by hand are so fragrant that those made by machines can't compare with them at all.
Making brown sugar ginger and jujube tea:
Brown sugar ginger and jujube tea has the effect of dispelling cold and warming the body, which is suitable for the cold weather during the "Major Snow" solar term. Some families or schools in Xi'an will organize activities to make brown sugar ginger and jujube tea, allowing children to understand its ingredients and production steps, and feel the solar term culture while experiencing the fun of doing it by themselves.
The arrival of the "Major Snow" solar term has brought us coldness as well as unique fun and charm. I hope everyone can pay attention to health preservation according to the characteristics of the solar term and spend this winter happily.
Welcome everyone to Xi'an to appreciate the human geography, local customs and practices of this ancient city with a history of five thousand years!
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