Solar term 21 of 24 · Earth · winter
Major Cold 大寒
The last fifteen days of winter. Everything is about to change and nothing shows it yet.
Dàhán · begins 20 January 2026 · approximately fifteen days
The coldest name in the calendar, usually falling just before the spring turn. The classical image is ice thick enough to walk on — maximum stillness immediately before maximum movement. It is the year's best fifteen days for deciding what to drop.
The three micro-seasons
Every term divides into three pentads of about five days.
- Hens begin to brood
- Hawks hunt hard
- Ice is thick at the centre
What to do in these fifteen days
- Write down what you are not carrying into spring. Be specific: a commitment, a habit, a grudge.
- Do one physical thing that is slightly hard. The body needs a reminder before March.
- Buy or plan the one thing that will make the first warm week possible.
On the table
Preserved vegetables with pork · Warm rice, aged things, tea
One question
What are you carrying into spring that you did not choose?
Seasonal and cultural information only. Not medical advice, and no claim is made about treating any condition. See method & limits.