Frost's Descent

Frost's Descent, the 18th of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms, is the last term of autumn. It typically starts between October 23 and 24 on the Gregorian calendar. This year, it falls on ​October 23. As the name suggests, it marks the end of autumn and the beginning of winter as temperatures drop sharply across China. The first frost makes its appearance in the country's northern regions and the daily fluctuation between the highest and lowest temperatures reaches its widest point of the year. As a folk saying goes, "Cold Dew isn't truly cold, but Frost's Descent brings a real change in the weather." 

Tradition has it that Chinese people take time to savor the scenery of late autumn and the blooming chrysanthemums. Other traditions include eating persimmons, believed to help ward off cold. In many regions, it is also customary to eat nourishing foods, such as duck and mutton soup, as a way to supplement nutrition. The advent of winter also means wearing added layers to keep warm. The natural rhythm wants all creatures great and small to preserve their strength during this term as they await renewal after winter's end. Communal rituals during this period serve as a reminder to follow the natural order, nurturing hope for rebirth during this time of conservation and introspection.