As
we enter the month of November, we look forward to several special events such as Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. However, there is another important occasion that you might have overlooked - "立冬" (Lidong), which is celebrated on November 7th in the traditional Chinese calendar. "立冬" literally means "beginning of winter" and marks the shift from autumn to winter. In this article, we will explore some interesting cold weather facts related to "立冬" in English.
1. The Science behind "立冬" "立冬" is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which divides the year into 24 solar terms or "jieqi." Each solar term marks the beginning and end of a particular season, and "立冬" marks the start of winter. From a scientific perspective, "立冬" corresponds to the moment when the sun's orbit reaches the celestial longitude of 225 degrees, which signifies the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
2. Winter Solstice vs. "立冬" Many people confuse "立冬" with the Winter Solstice, which falls on December 21st or 22nd in the Gregorian calendar. While both events signify the start of winter, the Winter Solstice is the shortest day and longest night of the year, whereas "立冬" marks the beginning of the season when nights grow longer and days become colder. The Winter Solstice is also a major cultural event in many countries, including China, where it is known as "冬至" (Dongzhi).
3. Winter Activities Winter is a season of both beauty and challenges. Depending on where you live, you might enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, ice skating, or simply taking a leisurely walk in the falling snow. Some cultures celebrate the season with winter festivals, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year's Eve. However, winter also poses several risks, such as frostbite, hypothermia, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that affects some people during the darker months.
4. Winter Foods As the temperature drops, our bodies crave warm and comforting foods. Winter is a great time to indulge in hot soups, stews, casseroles, and roasts, as well as holiday treats such as pumpkin pie, gingerbread, and candy canes. Some winter foods are also known for their health benefits, such as hot tea, which can boost immunity and ward off colds and flu.
5. Climate Change and Winter Finally, we cannot talk about "立冬" without mentioning climate change, which is affecting the planet in many ways, including the seasons. Scientists have found that winter temperatures are rising faster than any other season, which can alter ecosystems, affect crop yields, and increase the risk of natural disasters such as floods and blizzards. However, we can all do our part to reduce our carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations. In conclusion, "立冬" is not just a Chinese festival, but a reminder that winter is a significant time of the year that brings both joys and challenges. By understanding the science, culture, and ecology of winter, we can appreciate this season even more and take steps to care for ourselves and our environment.