Dà Hán: Major Cold

Dà Hán: Major Cold

大寒 Dà Hán: Major Cold

January 20th through February 3rd marks the time of大寒 Dà Hán, or Major Cold, the 24th and last term in the Ancient Chinese solar calendar, which means that the next term will start a new annual cycle.

大寒 Dà Hán, or Major Cold is also the last of the winter terms. Some of the Northern Hemisphere will experience the lowest temperatures of the year during Major Cold.

Major Cold will begin when the Sun reaches the celestial longitude of 300° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 315°. This solar term is known for its rain, snow and icy cold weather.

 

Winter According to The Ancients

Since time immemorial the Ancient Chinese made sure they had sesame stalks stored during the period of Major Cold. The stalks were later placed on the floor and the children of each family were asked to crush them with their feet on 除夕 Chú Xī New Year’s Eve while wishing for a safe and sound year.

“Rise joint by joint like sesame flowers on the stem.” -which means “making steady progress in thought, studies or skills”

~ Chinese Proverb

As Major Cold is the last winter term and the last term of the entire cycle, for the Chinese people it means that a new year will commence shortly and it is time to start preparations for all the upcoming festivities, celebrations and the fast approaching season of spring!

“A new year begins after major cold.”

-Chinese Proverb

Winter Indications

It is important not to rush things and to allow the cycle to fully finish and the body to fully complete its process. Patience is key here. Continue guarding your body from the cold and avoid overexerting yourself with any physical projects.

Expend less and store more energy.

Go to bed early and get up late, which will in turn help you with a smooth and invigorating transition into Spring when it is time.

Remember to get your sunlight and oxygen during the safe times. This time of year often promotes excessive dryness – drink your distilled water to guard against dehydration!

Keep practicing your Dao Yin Exercises and the Way of Softness. Low impact, high energy = lasting results!  This will maintain smooth circulation of Qi and Blood in the body.

 

The Three Friends of Winter

“即其居累土為山，種梅百本，與喬松、脩篁為歲寒友”

“For his residence, earth was piled to form a hill and a hundred plum trees, which along with lofty pines and tall bamboo comprise the friends of winter, were planted.”

-Lin Jingxi, Record of the Five-cloud Plum Cottage (五雲梅舍記)

The above is a famous writing from the Song Dynasty and the first reference to 岁寒三友 Suì Hán Sān Yǒu The Three Friends of Winter in Record of the Five-cloud Plum Cottage (五雲梅舍記) from The Clear Mountain Collection (霽山集) by Lin Jingxi.

Bamboo, pine, and the plum tree are referred to as the three friends because they do not wither during winter and in China they embody thriving during adverse conditions.

They represent perseverance (毅力yìlì), integrity (完整wánzhěnɡ) and modesty (谦虚qiānxū).

The pine is said to personify longevity and endurance. The bamboo represents durability and flexibility as it will bend but not break.  The Plum Tree exemplifies renewal as it is the first flower of the New Year.

May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition into 大寒 Dà Hán. Stay warm!

 

 

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Xiǎo Hán: Minor Cold

Xiǎo Hán: Minor Cold

小寒 Xiǎo Hán: Minor Cold

January 5, 2022 marks the beginning of 小寒Xiǎo Hán , or Minor Cold, the 23rd term in the Ancient Chinese solar calendar and the 5th solar term in winter. The weather rapidly reaches its coldest in Northern China. The ground and rivers are frozen. This term begins when the Sun reaches the celestial longititude of 285° and ends when it reaches the longitude of 300°.

According to the ancient Chinese, the coldest winter days, called “Sanjiu,” fall in the period of Xiǎo Hán, or Minor Cold.

“The days of the Sanjiu period are the coldest days.”

– Ancient Chinese Proverb

A well known folk song called ‘Shujiu’ speaks about the Nines of Winter. Each period is 9 days long and the first period begins on 冬至 Dōng Zhì, or Winter Solstice. After 9 – nine-day periods the weather starts warming up and spring will shortly follow. It goes as follows:

1st nine days, 2nd nine days, don’t take hands out of your pockets.
3rd nine days, 4th nine days, you can walk on ice.
5th nine days, 6th nine days, willows at the river’s edge start to sprout.
7th nine days, ice dissolves and water flows in the river.
8th nine days, wild geese fly back to northern areas.
9th nine days and the following days, farm cattle start to work in the field.

Just like it is mentioned in the song, subtle changes leading up to spring begin happening during this period of Xiǎo Hán, or Minor Cold.

Winter According to The Ancients

“The Book of Rites” dating back to the Western Han Dynasty (202 BC – 9 AD) talks about wild geese and the beginning of their journey back north during this time of year.

“In the third month of winter … the wild geese head north, the magpie begin building their nests, the pheasant crows and hens hatch.”

~ 禮記The Book of Rites

Just like nature, people also observe subtle changes in their daily routine during this 23rd solar term. Farmers, for example, begin their gradual preparations for the new farming season. Livestock requires attention during these coldest days of the year. Keeping animals warm is a major priority during this time.

小年Layue, or the last lunar month usually begins around Xiǎo Hán, or Minor Cold which for the Chinese people means getting ready for the 春節 Xīnnián: Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year. Herbacies are exceptionally busy during this time of year in their diligent efforts to meet all of the demand for herbal medicine people use for prevention going into the New Year celebrations and festivities.

May you continue to balance and harmonize yourself as we transition into小寒Xiǎo Hán, or Minor Cold. Stay warm!

 

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