The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Major Cold , the 24th solar term, begins this year on Jan 20 and ends on Feb 2. Major Cold is the last solar term in winter and also the last solar term in the annual lunar calendar. In this period, snow, rain and icy cold weather exert a big influence on people’s lives. Cold current 

During Major Cold, as the cold current moves southward, the weather is very cold. Although modern meteorological observation shows that in some regions of China the weather during Major Cold is not colder than Minor Cold, the lowest temperatures of the whole year still occur in the Major Cold period in some coastal areas. 

When this day arrives, it’s time to welcome the Spring Festival. People get busy with buying new things, salting the meat and preparing New Year good. “Great Cold” represents the end of 24 solar terms and also marks the end of winter. 

Winter is a time for all lives to hide. When everything is hiding from the cold, human body’s supersession is also very slow. During this period, people should sleep early and get up late, and try to save the Yang Qi inside the body.