Minor Cold

The Twenty-Four Solar Terms | Minor Cold

Minor Cold (小寒) is the twenty-third solar term in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, marking the onset of the coldest period of the year. It falls around the time of "the three nines" (the coldest days of winter) and signals the beginning of the harsh winter days.

According to the "Monthly Orders and Seventy-two Seasonal Phenomena" (《月令七十二候集解》): "In December, the cold is still mild at the beginning of the month, but by mid-month, it intensifies." After the Minor Cold, the "three nines" — the coldest days of the year — begin, during which people are warned that the cold is severe enough to "walk on ice" outside.

During this period, much of China has already entered its coldest phase, with frozen soil and rivers, compounded by the continuous southward movement of cold air from the north. People often refer to this as the "Nine Cold Days" (数九寒天), reflecting the extreme chill that grips the nation.

In ancient Chinese tradition, Minor Cold is divided into three "hou" (候 or phases):

First phase: Geese return north

Second phase: Magpies begin to nest

Third phase: Pheasants begin to chirp

The ancient belief was that migratory birds, such as the wild goose, follow the movement of the yin and yang. By this time, the yang energy starts to stir, prompting the wild geese to migrate north. In the north, magpies are seen everywhere, and they begin nesting, as they sense the stirring of yang energy. The third phase, "pheasants begin to chirp," refers to pheasants making noise as they sense the rise of yang energy during this time.

The Four Seasons: Spring Grows, Summer Prospers, Autumn Reaps, and Winter Stores

The cycle of the seasons is a perpetual rhythm, in which life and death are in constant flow. This is a natural law that cannot be changed by human will. In the harsh cold of Minor Cold, many regions follow the tradition of "resting for the winter" (歇冬), where people stay indoors to prepare for warmth and store up nourishing ingredients. It is a time for both resisting the cold and awaiting the arrival of spring.

As the ancient saying goes: "Loss and gain, fullness and emptiness, move with the times." One must follow the natural rhythm of the universe, adjusting actions based on the changing seasons. A wise person understands the importance of waiting patiently, accumulating strength during harsh conditions. Every winter in life is a form of cultivation. As the old saying goes, "If there is no severe winter, how can the warmth of spring be seen?" Without the harshness of winter, there would be no promise of the warm spring to follow. Winter is the prelude to spring, and hardship is the prologue to glory.

True wisdom lies in never avoiding hardship and never complaining about life. Every winter is a period of growth, and each trial is a step forward.

A Light, a Window, a Journey Home; a Cup of Tea, a Meal, a Family Together

In this winter, may you also find a place to call home. When dusk falls and the cold settles in, may you be able to shake off the dust of the day, gather by the warm fire, and share moments of warmth and tenderness with your loved ones.