The arrival of Xiaohan, or Minor Cold, on Sunday marks a significant point in the traditional Chinese calendar. As the 23rd of China’s 24 solar terms, Xiaohan signals the onset of the coldest period of the year. Across the region, temperatures plummet, and landscapes are often blanketed in frost and snow.
Yet, amid the winter’s chill, Xiaohan also heralds the subtle transition towards spring. The first hints of spring gradually emerge, offering a glimpse of warmer days ahead. It is a time of quiet anticipation, as nature begins its slow awakening from the depths of winter.
This duality of Xiaohan—embracing both the peak of winter’s cold and the promise of renewal—resonates deeply with people across Asia. For many, it is a period of reflection and preparation, as communities look forward to the new beginnings that spring will bring.
As we navigate the Minor Cold, it serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of the seasons and the enduring hope that accompanies the approach of spring. Despite the frosty temperatures, the warmth of anticipation fills the air, uniting people in a shared appreciation of nature’s rhythms.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
