Still, cold weather cannot stop people from getting out of their houses and enjoying their lives. Beijingers have plenty of leisure activities, such as enjoying skating at Shichahai (什刹海) Ice Rink and skiing in ski resorts on the outskirts.
Since ancient times, people have spent Da Han in happy and joyous ways. Sometimes the days of Da Han overlap with the days of preparation for the celebration of Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), whose first day usually falls between 21st January and 20th February. From the days of Da Han, people began to clean and decorate their houses for the festival.
Snowing, blooming plum blossom, and coldness won’t last long. After Major Cold, it is Li Chun (Start of Spring) again. The warm wind blows, and the cycle of the 24 solar terms starts again.
Here is a poem from Song Dynasty.
《除夜雪》〔宋〕陆游
北风吹雪四更初，嘉瑞天教及岁除。
半盏屠苏犹未举，灯前小草写桃符。
The New Year Eve Snow
By Lu You (1125-1210 AD)
The north wind blows the snow at midnight,
Good fortune the Heavens grant for a New Year.
Though a half cup of wine is yet left,
Writing blessings under the lamp is what I prefer.
By Catherine Mang
Librarian