24 Solar Terms: Dahan (Greater Cold) & Laba Festival
January 20 marks the arrival of the last of 24 solar terms of the year – Dahan (Greater Cold). So far, the annual cycle of the 24 solar terms has come to an end and a new one is about to begin. Dahan falls in the fourth nine-day periods following the Winter Solstice when most parts of China are hit by cold wave and freezing wind. North China is largely covered in snow. 消寒糕 Dispelling Cold Cake / 稻香村 Daoxiangcun Food choice during Dahan should be altered according to seasonal changes. As winter is turning to spring, a season of revitalization and renewal, more stimulating food is preferred to boost energy. For example, people in Foshan, Guangdong province have the custom of cooking glutinous rice in pottery pots during Dahai; people in Anqing, Anhui province make fried spring rolls, and Nanjing residents make stewed chicken and drink chicken soup during Dahan period. For Beijingers, Dahan is a time to eat “dispelling cold cake”, a kind ofRead More…