The traditional Chinese calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Minor Cold, the 23rd term of the year, lasts from Jan 5 to 19 this year.

The term "Minor Cold" might suggest a milder winter chill, but in reality, it marks the arrival of some of the coldest days of the year. In the north, the weather is freezing, while in the south, frost and snow prevail. This has given rise to the saying, "Minor Cold surpasses Major Cold."

A swift and effective remedy for the biting cold is a steaming bowl of mutton soup. Mutton is an affordable choice among warming foods. When simmered with yam and carrots and seasoned with green onions and ginger, it offers the perfect antidote to winter’s chill.

Many Chinese proverbs link the climate of Minor Cold to forecast the coming spring. As winter gives way to spring, the harsh chill is a prelude to spring's approach. The ancients captured this transition with expressions like "geese head north, magpies build nests, and pheasants begin to crow."

For those away from home, Minor Cold stirs thoughts of return, while Major Cold ushers in year-end reunions. Following Minor Cold is the Laba Festival, amplifying the festive spirit and signaling the approach of family gatherings.

Though Minor Cold brings a chill, the promise of spring offers warmth.

Vocabulary:

小寒

xiǎo hán

Minor Cold

羊肉汤

yáng ròu tāng

mutton soup

团聚

tuán jù

reunion

温暖

wēn nuǎn

warmth

小寒往往是一年中最冷的时候，因而有“小寒胜大寒”的说法。

xiǎo hán wǎng wǎng shì yī nián zhōng zuì lěng de shí hòu, yīn ér yǒu "xiǎo hán shèng dà hán" de shuō fǎ.

Minor Cold marks the arrival of some of the coldest days of the year. This has given rise to the saying, "Minor Cold surpasses Major Cold."

羊肉是温补食物中性价比较高的选择。

yáng ròu shì wēn bǔ shí wù zhōng xìng jià bǐ jiào gāo de xuǎn zé.

Mutton is an affordable choice among warming foods.

冬春交替，冬为春序。

dōng chūn jiāo tì, dōng wèi chūn xù.

As winter gives way to spring, the harsh chill is a prelude to spring's approach.

Source: Official WeChat account of National Immigration Administration at "NIANEWS"