Light Snow /11.22

Light Snow, the 20th solar term of the 24 solar terms and the second solar term of winter, is said in the ancient book "Qunfang Pu": "Xiaoxue has a cold atmosphere and has already shed snow, while the earth is not even cold and the snow is not heavy." Xiaoxue means that as the temperature drops and precipitation increases, the form of precipitation changes from rain to snow. The "Collection and Explanation of the Seventy Two Seasons of the Moon" records: "In the middle of October, the rain falls and is weakened by the cold air, so it condenses into snow. The small ones are not yet prosperous." The arrival of small snow often indicates the deepening of the harsh winter. The weather is getting colder and colder, and the graceful snowflakes falling one after another add a touch of poetic romance to the lonely winter.

In the season of light snow, the northern and western regions of China are already experiencing cold winds and vast white snow. In the Jiangnan region, there is no longer any rain cover after the lotus has dried up, and the withered chrysanthemums still have proud frost branches "(Su Shi's" Gift to Liu Jingwen "). In contrast, southern China is sunny and warm. Throughout history, the Nine Provinces run together, especially during the season of light snow.

Yi Hou | Rainbow Hidden Away

Due to the decrease in temperature, there is more snow below in the north, and it no longer rains, so rainbows can no longer be seen. Rainbow is like a rainbow, representing the celestial phenomenon after rain. Entering the light snow season, the form of precipitation gradually changes from rain to snow.

Er Hou | Weather rises, Earth's atmosphere falls

The 'weather' represents yang energy, while the 'earth' represents yin energy. The ancients believed that at this time, the yang energy would rise and the yin energy would fall, with one rise and one fall, making it difficult to achieve balance and leading to a lack of vitality in the natural world.

San Hou | Blocked into Winter

The air of heaven and earth disperses separately, and then the sky and earth become blocked and the air gradually becomes thin, causing all things to lose their vitality and enter the cold winter. After the Xiaoxue solar term, winter officially arrives. Unlike the initial exploration of the cold air at the beginning of winter, Xiaoxue begins to descend.

/ Cured meat /

There is a folk custom of "winter wax wind pickling, stored to resist winter". After the light snow, the temperature drops sharply and the weather becomes dry, making it a good time to process cured meat. After the Xiaoxue solar term, some farmers began to make sausages and cured meats, storing excess meat using traditional methods and enjoying delicious food during the Spring Festival.

/ Eating rice cake/

In some places in the south, there is a custom of eating glutinous rice cake in October according to the lunar calendar. Ciba is a food made by steaming and pounding glutinous rice, and is a popular delicacy in some southern regions of China. In ancient times, rice cake was a traditional festival offering in southern regions, originally used by farmers to offer sacrifices to the cow god. There is a saying that goes, 'In the tenth month of the lunar calendar, glutinous rice cakes are cooked with Lu Lu,' which refers to sacrificial events.

/ Pickled cold vegetables/

There is a saying in the north: "Little snow collects onions, if not collected, it will be empty. Carrots and cabbage are stored in the cellar." People in the north will harvest and store winter vegetables before they are frozen for thousands of miles. Pickled vegetables are the most common way of storage, which not only preserves the vegetables but also adds a refreshing taste.

The health preservation in winter and March cannot be separated from the word 'Tibetan'. Plants shed a large amount of leaves at this time, and animals also begin to hibernate, with a common goal of reducing consumption. People should also reduce consumption and accumulate energy at this time, which is' doing things in sync '. If you store it well in winter, you will only have the power to raise your hair in the spring of the following year.

/ Daily life /

'If you move in winter, you won't get sick again.' 'If you're lazy in winter, drink more medicine.'. During the Light Snow solar term, the weather is cold and the earth is frozen. The duration of sunlight is short, and people are prone to a dull mood and lack of activity. In cold seasons, engaging in some indoor and outdoor activities can enhance metabolism and promote the body's heat production. Winter health preservation focuses on the word 'Tibetan'. Ensuring sleep quality helps the body store essence and qi, and is also a key health focus in winter. Soak your feet in warm water before going to bed every day, which is beneficial for blood circulation, promotes smooth circulation of qi and blood, and enhances cold resistance. In winter, the climate is dry and the air quality is poor. It is important to pay more attention to lung health and prevent influenza.

/ Diet /

Winter is cold, so it is advisable to eat more high calorie foods with high carbohydrate and fat content to supplement energy and keep warm. Also, pay attention to supplementing vitamins and water. Common green vegetables, radishes, potatoes, oranges, snow pear, bananas and other fruits are good choices. It is not advisable to consume excessive amounts of fatty, sweet, greasy, spicy, and stimulating foods or a large amount of supplements to avoid causing Yin deficiency and excessive fire in the body, which can lead to excessive internal heat. The folk proverb goes: 'Eat radish in winter and ginger in summer.'. Drinking radish soup regularly in winter can nourish yin and spleen, nourish qi and moisten lungs, and reduce food intake and fire.

/ Sports advice /

Moderate exercise helps to promote smooth circulation of qi and blood. You can choose soothing exercises such as Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin, or take a morning walk or go for an outing to absorb natural energy. Wipe sweat promptly after exercise to avoid sweating in the wind. At this time, the joints of the human body are easily affected by moisture. Before activity, it is necessary to warm up thoroughly and avoid prolonged sitting or lying down, which can cause stagnation of qi and accumulation of dampness.

Little snow fills the sky, and the coming year will be a bountiful one. Xiaoxue, this poetic and charming solar term, let us set aside impatience and noise, and feel the gifts of nature with our hearts. When the snow falls, it becomes beautiful in winter. After Xiaoxue, Chongcang Yang. The accumulation of yin energy in heaven and earth, wet and rainy, cold and snowy, slowly descends, a thousand miles of white. In this season, don't forget to add clothes to keep warm, take care of your body, and accumulate energy. As the weather gradually turns cold and the emotions become warmer, the falling snow is a wish for your winter peace.