Major Snow: heavy snow blankets earth, waiting for spring
Major Snow is the 21st solar term among the 24 solar terms, and the third solar term of winter. It occurs annually between December 6-8 on the Gregorian calendar, when the sun reaches 255° ecliptic longitude. At this time, cold air force is strong, temperatures drop further, and snowfall range and intensity are broader and stronger than Minor Snow.
The "Collection and Explanation of the Seventy-two Pentads of the Monthly Ordinances" notes: "Major Snow, the 11th month solar term. At this time, snow becomes abundant." The solar term does not necessarily indicate blizzards, but rather serves as a temporal marker of intensifying yin-cold and deepening snow season. People's daily routines, diet, and travel precautions against cold and slipping are especially important.
First Pentad - Fierce Birds No Longer Sing: Even fierce-natured birds fall silent, indicating intensifying yin-cold and all things conserving qi.
Second Pentad - Tigers Begin to Mate: The king of beasts responds to the season, symbolizing yang qi secretly sprouting and phenological transitions.
Third Pentad - Licheng Grass Emerges: Licheng grass senses yin-yang transformation and begins to sprout, symbolizing life force hidden deep.
Daily Routine: Focus on warmth, cold protection, and slip prevention; hats, scarves, gloves, and non-slip shoes are essential; reduce prolonged outdoor stays during morning frost and rime periods.
Diet: Warm tonification to protect yang, nourish yin and moisten dryness together; recommended foods include lamb, beef, black beans, goji berries, angelica root, ginger, cinnamon bark, etc.; reduce cold, chilling, and greasy foods.
Exercise: Gradual progression, avoid excessive sweating; choose tai chi, baduanjin qigong, indoor stretching, and basic strength training.
Mental Well-being: Conserve spirit and calm the mind, maintain regular routines; avoid emotional extremes, protect kidneys and cultivate essence to endure severe winter.
Curing and Preserving Traditions: In Jiangnan region, the "curing and preserving month" reaches its peak, making cured meat and sausages, pickled fish and chicken, storing winter provisions.
Snow Clearing and Ice Removal: Many northern regions clear accumulated snow and ice from roads for slip prevention and smooth passage, also symbolizing "clearing obstacles to welcome new beginnings."
Agricultural and Household Affairs: Protect crops from frost and nurture seedlings, repair ditches and channels; at home, acquire heating and cold-weather supplies, prepare for the nine coldest periods of severe winter.
During Major Snow period, the sun's direct position continues moving south, sunshine and temperature in the Northern Hemisphere further decline, and cold air processes become more frequent. Compared to Minor Snow, both snowfall range and intensity increase.
Astronomical Definition: Major Snow occurs when the sun reaches 255° ecliptic longitude. Subsequently come Winter Solstice, Minor Cold, and Major Cold in sequence, as the severe cold season progressively advances.
Climate Explanation: The solar term "Major Snow" reflects seasonal and phenological significance, and does not equate to heavy snowfall necessarily occurring on that day in any given location; meteorological entry into winter requires comprehensive determination based on continuous temperature and climate indicators.
