Minor Cold (Xiǎohán)
Entering the coldest period of the year, but not yet at its peak.
Minor Cold (Xiǎohán) — Dates by Year
| Year | Gregorian Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1/6 | Sat |
| 2025 | 1/5 | Sun |
| 2026← this year | 1/5 | Mon |
| 2027 | 1/5 | Tue |
| 2028 | 1/6 | Thu |
| 2029 | 1/5 | Fri |
| 2030 | 1/5 | Sat |
Introduction
Minor Cold (Xiǎohán) is the twenty-third solar term, occurring around January 5–7 when the sun reaches 285°. "Hán" means cold, and "minor" indicates the chill has not yet peaked. In northern China, Minor Cold is often actually colder than Major Cold — the proverb says "Minor Cold beats Major Cold, as common as could be." Minor Cold marks the arrival of midwinter and the beginning of the Lunar New Year countdown.
Climate in Taiwan
Around Xiǎohán, Taiwan experiences its lowest annual temperatures — northern Taiwan averages 8–15°C, with occasional cold fronts pushing below 10°C. Mountain areas frequently frost over; Hehuanshan is most likely to have snow around this time, drawing visitors from across the island. Strong northeast monsoon winds bring wind and rain to northern and northeastern Taiwan. As the lunar new year approaches, New Year goods markets open and festive energy builds.
Laba Festival & New Year Prelude
Minor Cold typically encompasses the 8th day of the 12th lunar month — Laba Festival — when traditional Laba congee is made from glutinous rice, red dates, longan, peanuts, lotus seeds, and other ingredients, symbolizing the eight grains' abundance. The proverb "Once Laba arrives, the New Year smell fills the air" makes Laba Festival the official start of the New Year season. Families begin major house cleaning and buying New Year goods.
Wellness
Minor Cold wellness centers on warming yang energy to withstand severe cold. This is the season most demanding of warmth: pay particular attention to keeping the head-neck, back-abdomen, and ankles warm. Eat high-calorie warming foods: lamb, beef, chives, ginger, longan, and walnuts. Sufficient sleep (early to bed, late to rise) is the foundational winter wellness practice, aligning with nature's "storing" phase.