小寒 Xiǎohán
Minor Cold
In 2026: 5 January 2026 to 20 January 2026 (Beijing time)
“Minor cold”: in much of China this is in fact the coldest stretch. Keep warm and keep practice steady.
- Sun’s longitude
- 285°
- Month (earthly branch)
- 丑month
- Season
- Winter
- Five Phase
- 水Water
The three pentads
Each term is divided into three five-day pentads, named for what the ancients saw happen in nature.
- First pentad雁北乡Wild geese turn north
- Second pentad鹊始巢Magpies start nesting
- Third pentad雉始雊Pheasants begin to call
Wudang yangsheng for this term
- Breath
- Rub the palms until warm, rest them on the lower back and breathe slowly.
- Warm tea and diet
- Warming foods: ginger, longan, red dates; black tea.
- Sleep and daily rhythm
- Warm up for longer; keep practice steady rather than hard.
Traditional guidance, not medical advice. The terms follow the seasons of central China.
In the Book of Changes
Each month has a sovereign hexagram (消息卦) that shows how far yin or yang has grown. For the 丑 month it is 临, Approach.
Seeker’s Q&A
Why is it called “Minor” Cold?
Wu Cheng’s almanac says the cold is “still small” at the start of the month and great by its middle, which is Major Cold. In northern China these weeks are often the coldest of the year.
What is the lesson of Bai Juyi’s poem?
Warmth is something we make for each other. A small fire, a simple drink and an invitation are enough; winter is a time to keep friends close.
Does this mean drinking alcohol is good in winter?
The poem is about friendship, not drinking. A warm tea, or ginger with red dates, serves just as well, and tradition always favours moderation.
What should I watch for in my body?
Tradition says cold enters through the feet and the back of the neck. Warm your feet before sleep and avoid sitting under a cold air-con vent. This is traditional guidance, not medical advice.
One-minute practice
Rub each foot with warm hands for half a minute, from the heel to the toes. While you do it, think of one friend you have not seen this year, then send them an invitation.