Heavy Snow, the21st solar term of the year, begins this year on Dec 7 and ends on Dec 20.During Major Snow, the snow becomes heavy and begins to accumulate on the ground. The temperature drops significantly.
Traditional Customs and Seasonal Food
Appreciating winter sweet
Winter sweet usually blossoms in mid-to-late December in some southern cities of China. Sometimes it even blooms earlier. Winter sweet originated in China and is highly appreciated in Chinese culture for its endurance in severe winters. With pine and bamboo, it is referred to as one of the Three Friends of Winter.
Eating lamb
Lamb is the main food chosen by Chinese people during Major Snow. It is excellent for nourishing the body, promoting blood circulation and providing protection against the cold. People in Chongqing like to have potted lamb soup or stewed lamb soup with their families and friends. Nanjing residents like to stew the lamb with yams or wolfberries to make it more nutritious.
Making sausages
During Major Snow, Chinese people in South China such as in Nanjing, Hangzhou, Hefei, Chongqing make sausages, an important part of preparation for the Spring Festival. The best meat for sausage is that of the pig’s buttock. The sausage should be dried in a well-ventilated place in the shade. After a week, they are edible. Cut a certain amount off, and boil or fry it as you like.
(Note: Some words are selected from Hujiang English and some pictures from internet.)
