Major Cold, the final of the 24 solar terms, generally falls on January 20 or 21 in the Gregorian calendar, and this year it arr...

Major Cold, the final of the 24 solar terms, generally falls on January 20 or 21 in the Gregorian calendar, and this year it arrives on January 20. After Major Cold comes the Start of Spring, marking the completion of a full cycle of the solar terms and the prelude to a new year. Like Minor Cold, Major Cold is a solar term that signifies the degree of bitter cold, literally meaning that the weather is at its most frigid. It is not only the coldest time of the year but also the period with the least rainfall. From Major Cold to the Chinese New Year, numerous folk customs are observed to mark the season: eating glutinous food, cleaning the house to sweep away dust, pasting paper window cuttings, curing preserved meats and going to fairs for New Year shopping, all time-honored traditions of this period. People also celebrate the Laba Festival at this time, cooking a bowl of rich and sweet Laba congee – a warm treat filled with wishes for peace and well-being year after year, helping to dispel the chill of winter days. #MajorCold #culture #cgtnreel