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Copyright © 2024 CGTN. 京ICP备20000184号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466
Minor Snow, or "Xiao Xue" in Chinese, is the 20th of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese culture, which falls on November 22 this year. From this day onwards, temperatures will continue to drop in most regions of China. Some parts of the country may also witness their first snowfall of winter during this solar term.
The first snowfall of winter is captured against the backdrop of the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, on November 6, 2023. /CFP
During winter, strong fronts of cold air will encourage frequent winds to sweep many parts of China, leading to a fall in precipitation and a higher chance of snowfall. The snow in this phase is likely to be light and ephemeral, falling at night and melting away during the day.
Chinese people observe some typical traditions with the arrival of Minor Snow. People often eat glutinous rice cakes - a symbol of family reunion in Chinese culture due to their round shape - and also pray for a good harvest and prosperity in the coming year.
A snow covered forest is nestled in the Jiuzhai Valley, Sichuan Province, November 13, 2023. /CFP
As the temperatures continue to drop, people tend to drink hot soup to stay warm in winter. Mutton and radish soup is one traditional winter favorite. According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, this kind of soup can improve digestion and boost the immune system. What's more, honey water, white radish water, and pear water are all good choices to hydrate the body and prevent dryness and disease.
After Minor Snow, the temperatures will sharply decline, and the air will become drier. This is the best time to make preserved pork and pickled vegetables. Chinese people often begin to prepare these kinds of food for winter and for Chinese New Year celebrations.