The traditional Chinese solar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Major Snow, the 21st solar term of the year, begins this year on Dec 7 and ends on Dec 21.
中国传统二十四节气的第21个节气是大雪，今年的大雪节气从12月7日开始，12月21日结束。
During Major Snow, the snow becomes heavy and begins to accumulate on the ground. The temperature drops significantly.
大雪节气期间，雪变得厚重，开始在地面上积聚。气温大幅下降。
Here are six things you should know about Major Snow.
一起来了解一下关于大雪节气的6个小常识。
[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
Snowy winter 万里雪飘
The snow in North China may last a whole day, breaking tree branches and blocking the road. The natural scenery is "hundreds of leagues ice-bound go; over thousands of leagues flies snow". In the south, snowflakes fall and the world turns white.
北方下雪可能会下一整天，把树枝压断，把路堵住。这种自然景象真是“千里冰封，万里雪飘”。在南方，雪花飘舞，天地之间一片白茫茫。
A proverb about the snow says, "A timely snow promises a good harvest". As the snow covers the ground, the low winter temperature kills pests.
有句关于雪花的谚语叫“瑞雪兆丰年”。因为雪覆盖地面时可以冻死害虫。
Appreciating plum blossoms 赏梅
Plum blossoms usually flower in mid-to-late December in some southern cities of China, and sometimes bloom even earlier. The plum blossom, which originated in China, is revered in Chinese culture for its resilience during severe winters. Along with the pine and bamboo, the plum blossom is considered one of the Three Friends of Winter.
梅花通常在12月中下旬在南方的一些城市盛开，有时候开得更早。梅花起源于中国，在中国文化中，梅花因为不畏严寒而受到敬佩。梅花和松树、竹子一起并称为“岁寒三友”。
Eating lamb 吃羊肉
