The Twenty-four Solar Terms: Major Snow

Major Snow, as the name suggests, means a huge amount of snow. It is the 21st solar term and the 3rd solar term of winter, which falls on one day between December 6th and 8th. Major Snow marks the beginning of the midwinter season. How much do you know about Major Snow? Just follow us and have a look！
Climate Characteristics:
During Major Snow, most parts of China have entered the winter, and the lowest temperature has dropped to 0℃ or below. Heavy snow will fall in areas where warm and cold air collide ahead of the arrival of a strong cold air. At that time, there already is accumulated snow along the Yellow River, while in the farther north, snow becomes heavy.
Agricultural Activities:
Snow normally increases since Minor Snow. The more snow the better, for it plays a key role in the accumulation of surface moisture in the coming year. First, the snow on the ground can keep warm and moisturize winter wheat and prevent dry winds in winter; second, it can store the water needed for growth in the coming year; thid, it can freeze some insect eggs on the surface of the soil and reduce the occurrence of pests. But if the snow is too heavy, it will also have some negative impacts on protected agriculture.
Customs:
Pickled meat, snowball fights and snow viewing areall the folk customs of the Major Snow. There is an old saying in Nanjing, "Pickle vegetables on Minor Snow, and pickle meat on Major Snow". At this time, every household would hang pickled meat, sausage, salted fish and other pickled food at their doorstep and windowsill, forming a beautiful scenery. If snow falls, people will be keen to have a snowball fight despite the freezing weather. Major Snow has come, and spring is on the way. It will be a new world full of vitality and vigor ahead of us.