Today marks Xiaohan (Minor Cold), the 23rd of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms, usually falling on January 5th or 6th in the Gregorian calendar. Despite its name suggesting ‘minor’ cold, this period often brings the coldest weather of the year—so much so that there’s a saying: ‘Minor Cold is colder than Major Cold.’ In northern China, freezing temperatures, ice, and snow are common, while southern regions experience damp, penetrating chill.Xiaohan is accompanied by various folk customs. In the north, people traditionally eat Laba porridge or stewed mutton to stay warm and nourish the body. In parts of southern China, it’s customary to prepare ‘vegetable rice’ on Xiaohan, combining greens, cured pork, and sausages into a hearty, warming dish. This solar term is also considered an ideal time for seasonal tonics; foods like lamb, walnuts, black sesame seeds, and longan are commonly consumed to strengthen yang energy and nourish the kidneys.From a health perspective, it’s advisable to go to bed early, rise later, and dress warmly—especially protecting the head, feet, and lower back from the cold. Gentle indoor exercises such as Tai Chi or yoga can help boost immunity during this frigid period. Though winter reaches its peak at Xiaohan, it also signals the quiet return of yang energy, heralding the approaching arrival of spring.
今日小寒，是二十四节气中的第二十三个节气，通常出现在每年公历1月5日或6日。小寒标志着一年中最寒冷的时期正式开始，尽管名为‘小’寒，但其寒冷程度往往超过大寒，有‘小寒胜大寒’之说。此时，北方地区常出现严寒、冰冻和降雪，南方则阴冷潮湿，体感温度较低。小寒时节，民间有许多传统习俗。例如，北方人习惯吃腊八粥、炖羊肉以御寒补身；南方部分地区则有‘小寒吃菜饭’的习俗，用青菜、咸肉、香肠等食材煮成营养丰富的饭食。此外，小寒也是进补的重要节点，人们注重温补阳气、滋养肾精，常用食材包括羊肉、核桃、黑芝麻、桂圆等。从养生角度看，小寒期间应早睡晚起、注意保暖，尤其要保护头部、脚部和腰腹不受寒。同时，适当进行室内运动如太极拳、瑜伽，有助于提升免疫力，抵御寒冬。小寒虽冷，却也预示着阳气即将萌动，春天的脚步正悄然临近。
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