“Xiao Han falls on the 23rd or 24th day of the lunar calendar; the weather is bitterly cold, and the ground freezes solid, sending shivers down your spine.” Today is Xiao Han—the fifth solar term of winter and the first solar term of 2026—marking the imminent arrival of the coldest days of the year.

What is Xiaohan?

The name "Xiao Han" originates from the ancients' subtle perception of cold weather. As recorded in the "Collection of Explanations of the Seventy-two Seasonal Terms in the Lunar Calendar," "In the twelfth lunar month, at the beginning of the month, the cold is still relatively mild, hence the name." Although it's called "Xiao Han"—meaning "slight cold"—it often turns out to be even colder than Da Han—"great cold." There’s a popular folk saying: "Xiao Han is colder than Da Han." In northern regions, there’s an especially vivid description: "During Xiao Han and Da Han, even dripping water freezes into ice."

The Three Stages of Xiao Han

Ancient people divided Xiao Han into three periods:
The first period: Geese head north—geese begin their northward migration, sensing the initial stirrings of yang energy.
The second sign: magpies begin to build nests—magpies start constructing their nests, preparing to breed and raise offspring.
The third period: the pheasant begins to crow—male pheasants start singing to attract mates, signaling the vitality of life.

Xiaohan Customs

Plum-Viewing Season At this moment, the plum blossoms are in full bloom, and trudging through the snow in search of them has become an elegant pastime for scholars and literati. The delicate red plum blossoms set against the white snow create the most poetic scene of the cold winter.

Prepare New Year's goods As Little Cold approaches the end of the year, people begin preparing for the Spring Festival by curing preserved meats and stocking up on New Year’s goods.

Warming oneself by the hearth The family gathers around the fireplace, roasting sweet potatoes and simmering chestnuts, chatting casually about everyday matters—warmth that shields them from the biting cold outside the window.

Winter Solstice Health Preservation

At this time, the key to health preservation lies in the character “cang”:

• Warm and nourishing diet Warm-natured foods such as mutton soup, glutinous rice porridge, walnuts, and Chinese yam are most suitable.

• Keep warm and prevent cold. Focus on protecting the head and neck, waist and abdomen, and feet.

• Moderate exercise It’s best to exercise after sunrise to avoid excessive sweating.

• Go to bed early and rise late. Follow nature and get sufficient sleep.

Xiao Han Poems and Lyrics

On the day of Xiaohan, Lu You wrote: “Xiaohan follows Da Lü; happy magpies are building new nests.” During the Yuan dynasty, the poet Wang Ji sighed: “The cold of Xiaohan is sharp and biting, yet a hint of spring already heralds the arrival of a new year’s fragrance.” Even in the depths of winter, ancient people could still sense the approaching spring. This optimistic spirit is truly worth savoring.

Little Cold Revelation

Xiaohan is the coldest period of the year, yet it’s also the moment when yang energy begins to stir. Wild geese head north, and magpies start building their nests—these subtle changes in nature tell us that even in the depths of winter’s cold, spring is quietly taking shape.

This is just like life—often, the toughest moments give rise to turning points; and within the harshest cold winds lies the most resilient vitality.

Today is Xiaohan. May you:
Warm food warms the stomach.
Those who have someone to care about bring warmth to the heart.
A spark of hope warms this winter.

Winter has come—how much longer until spring?