The Major Snow solar term generally falls on December 6th or 7th on the Gregorian calendar. The name "Major Snow" signifies that the weather becomes colder and the likelihood of snowfall is greater than during the Minor Snow period, but it does not necessarily mean a large amount of snow. On the contrary, after the Major Snow, precipitation in various regions further decreases. In December, the average precipitation in Northeast and North China is generally only a few millimeters, while in Northwest China it is less than 1 millimeter. The "Monthly Ordinances: The Seventy-Two Seasonal Divisions" explains the Major Snow as follows: "It is the first节气 (solar term) of the eleventh lunar month. 'Major' means great or abundant. By this time, the snow has become abundant." In ancient times, the Major Snow was divided into three phases: First, the hé dàn stops calling; second, tigers begin to mate; third, the lǐ tǐng sprouts. The hé dàn (also written as hédàn) is the collared owlet (寒号鸟), which no longer makes its call. Because this is the period when yin energy is at its peak, it is a time of "extreme flourishing leading to decline," and yang energy begins to stir. Therefore, tigers start mating. "Lǐ tǐng" is a type of orchid, which, sensing the stir of yang energy, sends out new sprouts.
Heavy winter snow covering the land can keep the temperature of the ground and surrounding crops from dropping too low due to cold snaps. When the snow melts, it increases the soil's moisture content, which can meet the needs of crops for spring growth. The content of nitrogen compounds in snow water is five times that of ordinary rainwater, and it also has a certain fertilizing effect. This is why there is a farming proverb: "If the wheat is covered with three quilts of snow, one can sleep on steamed buns." During the Major Snow, except for the frost-free areas in South China and southern Yunnan, our vast country is dressed in its winter attire. The average temperature in Northeast and Northwest China has dropped below -10°C, and the temperature in the Yellow River Basin and North China has also stabilized below 0°C, causing winter wheat to stop growing. In the Yangtze and Huai River regions and further south, wheat and rapeseed continue to grow slowly.
The Major Snow is a good time for "tonic supplementation," as the saying goes, "Nourish in winter, and be strong enough to fight a tiger in spring." Winter tonics can enhance the body's immune function, promote metabolism, and improve the feeling of cold intolerance. They can also regulate the body's metabolic processes, allowing nutrients to be converted into energy and stored in the body to the greatest extent, which helps the rise of yang energy. As the saying goes, "Supplementing for one winter during the 'Sanjiu' (the coldest days) period will keep you free from illness and pain the following year." At this time, it is advisable to use warming foods to support yang, nourish the kidneys and strengthen bones, and nourish yin and benefit essence. Winter food supplements should provide foods rich in protein, vitamins, and that are easy to digest. Around the Major Snow solar term, a large variety of citrus fruits are in season, such as Nanfeng蜜桔 (honey mandarin oranges), Guanxi shaddocks, and navel and snow oranges. Eating them appropriately can help prevent rhinitis and reduce phlegm and relieve coughs. During the Major Snow, the days are short and the nights are long in the Northern Hemisphere, which is reflected in the farming proverb "During Major and Minor Snow, cooking never ceases," describing how short the days are that farmers' wives almost have to prepare three meals in a row. You can often drink ginger and jujube soup to ward off the cold; eat oranges and use peppermint oil to prevent rhinitis, reduce phlegm, and relieve coughs. Eating hot pot is a good choice during the Major Snow.
During the Major Snow in Taiwan, it is the harvesting season for peanuts. The proverb "Minor Snow brings a little, Major Snow brings a lot" refers to the fact that from the Minor Snow, cuttlefish schools slowly enter the Taiwan Strait. By the time of the Major Snow, as the weather gets colder, the cuttlefish swim south along the isotherms, gathering in larger and larger numbers. Cuttlefish can be caught all along the western coast of Taiwan, and the yield is very abundant. Cuttlefish are often considered a delicacy and served to guests. In the areas of Taitung's Zhiben and Taimali, the杭菊 (Hangzhou chrysanthemums) will be in full bloom. After harvesting, the chrysanthemums are dried and can be brewed into chrysanthemum tea, which is said to improve eyesight and nourish the liver.