As of January 5, we welcome Minor Cold, the first solar term in 2025 and the 23rd of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms.
As Minor Cold arrives, people are reminded that the Spring Festival is not far off. Minor Cold also brings its unique customs to Guangdong, reflecting local flavour and deep cultural connotations.
Eat glutinous rice
One such custom is the consumption of glutinous rice. Guangdong folklore states, "Minor Cold and Major Cold bring cold even without cold wind." Eating glutinous rice in the morning on the day of Minor Cold is a traditional way to ward off the chill. Guangdong people mix glutinous rice with fragrant rice, steaming them together before adding chopped preserved pork, sausage, coriander, and chopped scallions. The glutinous rice symbolizes warmth, bringing a sense of cosy comfort from the beginning to the end of the year, and is considered auspicious.
Enjoy plum blossoms
Another custom is enjoying plum blossoms. As the saying goes, "Plum blossoms bloom first during Minor Cold," signalling the arrival of spring. During Minor Cold, when the weather is at its coldest, plum blossoms brave the snow and wind to bloom, making it the perfect time to explore and admire their elegance and fragrance. Plum blossoms also symbolize spring and good news, prompting people to venture out during Minor Cold to savour the solitary and fragrant beauty of the plum blossoms.
Prepare New Year goods
Despite regional variations in customs during Minor Cold, one thing remains consistent across the country – the preparation of New Year goods. "Busy shopping during Minor Cold, preparing for the New Year during Major Cold," goes the saying. The arrival of Minor Cold signifies that the Spring Festival is just around the corner. People living in foreign lands pack their bags and prepare for their journey home, while their loved ones at home start busying themselves with preparing New Year goods, writing Spring Festival couplets, and making papercuts for window decoration. They eagerly await the return of their distant relatives, creating a warm and heartfelt moment during the year.
Minor Cold marks the coldest time of the year and heralds the beginning of preparations for the Spring Festival, bringing a sense of warmth and hope.
Author | Feng Huiting
Poster | Feng Huiting
Editor | Liu Lingzhi, James, Shen He
