In the traditional Chinese calendar, the period from 7-21 December is known as Major Snow, contrasting with Minor Snow in November. Snowfall is welcomed at this time, with a proverb asserting that the heavier the snow, the better the harvest next year.
As with many Chinese solar terms, Major Snow comes with its own delicacies; red bean porridge is traditionally eaten on the first day. Other seasonal foods are chosen with the idea that black foods are preferable for the darkest time of the year: black sesame seeds, black beans, black rice and shiitake mushrooms.
Major Snow also traditionally signals the large-scale pickling of meat, as animals are slaughtered for the winter. Chinese markets fill with pickled meats and sausages for Major Snow. While some of the pickles are eaten as soon as they are made, most will be eaten later, when they have had longer to marinate.
The middle five-day stretch of Major Snow is believed to be the highest point of the year for Yin energy, associated with freezing, stillness and inactivity. This still point is the turn of the year. It is said that tigers begin to mate on these five days, and in the final five days of Major Snow the season changes and buds start to sprout.
