Cold Dew: Winter is coming

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Han Lu in Chinese, or Cold Dew in English, the 17th of the Chinese traditional 24 solar terms, is falling on Sunday, coinciding with the last day of China's eight-day National Day holiday this year. As their holiday comes to an end, wrapping up in extra layers of clothes might also be a good idea for Chinese as temperatures start to drop.

Han Lu is the penultimate solar term of autumn, before winter officially arrives across China. It usually marks the period of time from October 8 to October 23.

Unlike the first half of the season, characterized by a bright golden hue, the second half seems a little bit dim with tree branches becoming undressed and naked. As temperatures fall, the dew begins to get colder before eventually frosting, thus the name "Cold Dew".

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Too early to lay down the pitchfork

Even though crops gradually start to whither, farmers still have a lot of work to do. It is the season corns need to be harvested and winter wheat planted in the north. Such field work needs to be completed before Han Lu ends.

Meanwhile, some crops such as cotton and sweet potato must be harvested before the frost settles over the fields, otherwise the yields could be affected, even destroyed at the worst case. Sweet potatoes are quite sensitive to frost, which would destroy their taste.

Farmers also need to pay attention to irrigation, tend to their vegetable gardens and take measures against pests.

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Flocks of migrant birds could be occasionally spotted in the sky on their way to the south, where they are expected to be the last to arrive. Ancient Chinese people called them the "guest geese" in reference to those who usually arrive late.

The month of chrysanthemum

Han Lu often overlaps with a large part of the "month of chrysanthemum" or the ninth lunar month of the year. It is when chrysanthemum outshines all other species of flowers.

In Chinese culture, chrysanthemum symbolizes nobleness, gracefulness and purity. Chinese essayists and poets were keen to refer to the flower in their works, and there are also traditions of admiring chrysanthemums during this period of time.

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Chinese people not only admire the flower, they also drink it. Brewing chrysanthemum wine is the season's staple, with sticky rice, yeast and of course the flower all going into the mix. The wine has a good taste and rich nutrition thought to do good to people’s livers, eyes and brains.

Chrysanthemum wine is also called "the wine of longevity", as it is believed it can slow down the aging process.

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Other traditions to mark the season include hiking, climbing and fishing. With maple leaves turning red, a kaleidoscope of color welcomes nature lovers.

As temperatures drop, fish will also gather in shallow waters, so Han Lu is the best season to cast a net or throw a line.

Food to keep warm and healthy

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Catching a cold becomes an imminent risk with temperatures falling, so Chinese people choose certain foods to keep warm and healthy.

One such item is sesame seeds and desserts made of it. Sesame cakes and pancakes sell like hotcakes during Han Lu.

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Pomegranate and hawthorn are also consumed in bountiful quantities during Han Lu, with the latter famed for its antioxidants effective in strengthening blood vessels and stimulating blood flow.

But perhaps a bowl of hot noodles is probably the easiest way to help keep warm, while a foot bath before calling it a day will ensure a good night's sleep.

(Top image by CGTN's designer Ma Xiaonan)

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