Light Snow Today: It’s Cold When The Year Is Deep, Add More Clothes To Avoid Getting Sick

The 20th of China's 24 Solar Terms is Xiao Xue or Light Snow or Minor Snow. It's the second solar term in winter, arriving on November 22nd. During Light Snow, temperatures drop, and snow falls. However, the ground isn't fully frozen, and the snow isn't heavy yet. That's why this solar term is named Light Snow.

Chinese farmers expect snow throughout this term since it signifies a bountiful harvest in the following year. 

Minor Snow is an ideal time to prepare preserved foods, like pork. The cold weather allows for long-term storage of these preserved foods. Come the Spring Festival, preserved pork is a special treat for family reunions. In some parts of southern China, it is customary to eat glutinous rice cakes during this festival as they symbolize harvest and happiness.

Minor Snow is a solar term that describes the weather phenomena that occur during this period. The term "Minor Snow" refers to light snowfall that does not accumulate on the ground. According to an ancient book about plants, during this period, the weather is cold and there is a chance of snow, but the ground is not frozen enough for the snow to stick.

In northern regions, after Minor Snow, orchardists typically prune fruit trees and utilize straw to wrap the limbs, protecting them from the cold weather. Additionally, underground storage of vegetables for future consumption is common practice during this time. The old saying advises to "store cabbage in Minor Snow and spinach in Great Snow." About 10 days before the cabbage is harvested, watering should stop. After the harvest, which typically occurs on sunny days, the cabbage must be allowed to air-dry for three or four days with its roots up until the leaves become tender. The ditch should be as deep as the height of the cabbage. The cabbage should be arranged side by side in the ditch with the roots pointing down and covered with cabbage leaves and corn stalks during cold periods.

In Minor Snow, the northern parts of southern China enter the winter season. During this time, the lotus flowers disappear, the lakes lack rain covers, and the chrysanthemums wither, while frostbitten twigs remain. The Qinling and Daba Mountains in the north prevent the cold air from reaching the southern regions, making winters comparatively milder. Typically, there are fewer than five days of snow per year in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River region. Prior to the Great Snow, the likelihood of snowfall is low. Even during the coldest days, it's difficult for those in the south to grasp the concept of snowfall as "myriads of pear trees burst into blossom" because surface temperatures remain above 0℃, making snow accumulation impossible. In the chilly northwest plateau, snowfall typically begins in October and can last for over 60 days annually. Additionally, certain alpine regions may experience snow year-round.