The Major Cold begins this year on January 20th. In this period, snow, rain and icy cold weather exert a big influence on people's lives. This term marks the end of the 24 solar terms and also the end of winter.
A few days after Major Cold comes the Spring Festival. People get busy buying new things, salting the meat and preparing for the Chinese New Year. This solar term is consequently imbued with happy expectations of family reunions and a fresh start.