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Minor Cold
Cold finds its way into our sleeves; by the fire, we talk of the year's end.
Solar term date
Dates follow the Hong Kong Observatory’s calendar. They are civil dates, rather than precise astronomical times.
About this solar term
Minor Cold begins at solar longitude 285°. It often falls within a very cold part of winter in China and can be colder than Major Cold in some regions.
Traditional signs describe geese turning north, magpies building nests and pheasants calling. They belong to a regional historical calendar, not a precise timetable for all birds.
As the lunar new year approaches in many years, households prepare seasonal foods and celebrations. The lunar festival dates move independently of this solar term.
Seasonal signs
Geese turn north, magpies build nests, and pheasants begin to call.
Traditional seasonal signs combine observation with historical imagination. Weather and wildlife vary by region and year.
A reading of the poem
Minor Cold sounds the season's note as magpies build new nests. They seek food by river bends and carry twigs around the treetops. Hawks face north and pheasants hide among the reeds. Do not be surprised by the biting cold: winter and spring are drawing toward their meeting.
Tang dynasty · Traditionally attributed to Yuan Zhen
咏廿四气诗·小寒十二月节
Poem source