“Minor Cold aligns with the Great Pitch; magpies build new nests.”
When the sun reaches 285° of celestial longitude, Minor Cold (Xiaohan) arrives as the 23rd of China’s traditional 24 solar terms. As the fifth solar term of winter, Minor Cold signals the true beginning of late winter. Cold air masses move south more frequently, temperatures fall steadily, and the landscape grows quiet and restrained. Even so, warmth and anticipation for the coming New Year begin to take shape beneath the chill.

A Chill That Deepens, Though Not at Its Peak

The cold of Minor Cold has not yet reached the extreme intensity of Major Cold, but it already defines deep winter.
The ancient text The Seventy-Two Seasonal Markers explains: “Minor Cold marks the twelfth lunar month. At the start of the month, the cold remains moderate; by mid-month, it intensifies.” This description clearly outlines Minor Cold’s climate—cold that appears early and deepens day by day.

In northern regions, ice and snow already cover the land. Rivers freeze, sharp winds sweep across faces, and each breath turns into white mist. In southern areas, snowfall remains rare, yet damp cold settles into daily life and often feels even more piercing. For this reason, many people say, “Minor Cold feels colder than Major Cold.” By this time, farmers have protected crops, and nature stores its energy, preparing quietly for spring.

Three Natural Signs and the Rise of Yang Energy

Minor Cold unfolds through three pentads, each reflecting subtle changes in nature.
In the first pentad, wild geese begin flying north as they sense the early movement of yang energy.
During the second pentad, magpies gather twigs and build nests, preparing warm shelters for the coming breeding season.
In the third pentad, male pheasants call out to attract mates, adding life and sound to the winter stillness.

Though these changes remain gentle, they reflect a core principle of traditional philosophy: when yin reaches its peak, yang begins to rise. Even in deep cold, renewal has already begun.

Seasonal Customs and the Warmth of Daily Life

Across China, people observe Minor Cold through customs that balance practicality with celebration.
In northern China, families eat dumplings during Minor Cold. Their ingot-like shape symbolizes prosperity, while their warmth helps people withstand the cold. Many households also enjoy lamb hot pot, gathering around steaming broth and sharing conversation that dispels winter’s chill.

In the south, people prepare vegetable rice, cooking glutinous rice with cured meat, sausages, and leafy greens. The rice absorbs rich flavors and offers both warmth and nourishment, making it ideal for damp winter days.

As Minor Cold approaches the Lunar New Year, households turn to year-end preparations. People clean their homes, cure meats, and hang sausages and bacon under the eaves. Savory aromas fill the air, and the sense of the New Year grows stronger with each passing day.

Minor Cold in Poetry and Cultural Memory

Poets throughout history have found inspiration in Minor Cold.
Du Fu wrote in Composed on a Boat During the Minor Cold Festival, “On a fine day I force myself to drink, yet the food still tastes cold,” blending seasonal imagery with personal reflection.
Lu You, in his poem Minor Cold, captured winter’s stillness with restraint: “Hands stiff from the cold, I shut my door all day; birds hurry back to their perches, insects retreat underground.” With just a few lines, he portrayed a world at rest.

Through poetry, Minor Cold becomes more than a point on the calendar. It carries memory, emotion, and cultural continuity across generations.

A Prelude to Winter, a Promise of Spring

Minor Cold opens the deepest chapter of winter while quietly setting the stage for spring. The season tests endurance with cold, yet it also gathers strength in silence.
During this time, people follow nature’s rhythm, preserve traditional warmth, and prepare for the year ahead.

Amid frost and snow, may we hold warmth in our hearts and patiently await the return of spring.

CAMEI wishes you success and happiness in everything you do.