Minor Cold (Xiao Han in Chinese) is the 23rd solar term of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms. For most areas of China, it marks the start of the coldest days of the year. Minor Cold in 2020 starts on Jan 6. Many Chinese sayings use the weather and climate situation during Minor Cold to predict the weather in the following spring.

Stocking up for New Year

During Minor Cold, people start stocking New Year goods, such as Spring Festival couplets, New Year pictures, lanterns and paper-cuts for window decoration.

Mutton hot pot, chestnuts and sweet potato

According to traditional Chinese medicine theories, people need to eat food that contains more yang energy to prevent cold from harming their organs. Mutton hot pot, chestnuts and baked sweet potato are three recommended foods for Minor Cold.

Eating Laba porridge

Another important traditional food for Minor Cold is Laba porridge. It is made from more than 20 kinds of nuts, cereals and dried fruits. Traditionally, people often cook Laba porridge on the night of the seventh day of the twelfth lunar month. After one night's slow simmering, all the ingredients melt into the porridge in the morning of the eighth day, becoming a warm delicacy to enjoy on cold days.

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