Traditional Culture Encyclopedia - The 24 Solar Terms - The significance of counting nine cold days

The significance of counting nine cold days

Nine cold days refer to the nine solar terms of the lunar calendar, which means the coldest period of the year.

The concept and origin of the number nine

The number nine is a special period in the traditional lunar solar terms in China, which refers to nine consecutive days (that is, 8 1 day) from the winter solstice. This concept first appeared in Zhouyi, and then it was gradually linked with the solar terms of the lunar calendar, becoming one of the important solar terms in the folk tradition.

Cold weather and climate characteristics

Cold weather is the lowest temperature period of the year. In most parts of China, the number nine generally appears from the end of the twelfth lunar month to the end of the first lunar month, that is, from the middle of February in Gregorian calendar to the middle of October in the following year. During this period, the weather is cold, windy, snowy and the temperature is low.

Folk custom of counting nine in cold weather

There are many folk customs related to cold weather in China. During this period, people will take various measures to keep warm, such as wearing thick clothes, drinking hot soup and eating warm food to cope with the cold weather. In addition, some places will hold temple fairs and blessing activities to pray for peace and good luck.

Cultural connotation of counting nine cold days

The cold weather in China also has profound connotations. Cold weather brings people difficulties in life, but it also exercises people's willpower and tenacity. At the same time, the number nine is also a symbol of solar terms, which indicates that winter is coming, and the hope of spring is coming, which means a new beginning and a revival of vitality.

Ninth and medical care

Due to the low temperature in cold weather, people need to pay special attention to keep warm and healthy during this time. In September, the human body is vulnerable to cold, which can easily lead to health problems such as colds and respiratory diseases. Therefore, people should pay attention to keep warm in cold weather, drink more hot water, eat warm food, exercise properly and enhance immunity.

Poetry in cold weather

It is also a time when literati like to write poems and songs. In cold weather, many literati express their feelings about nature and life and their pursuit of a better future with the help of the image of' 99'. They used beautiful words to describe the cold weather, which made Jiudong more poetic.

abstract

Nine cold days is an important period in China's traditional lunar solar terms, representing the coldest period of the year. During this period, people need to keep warm and healthy, and at the same time, they can feel the special charm brought by cold weather through various folk customs and cultural activities. No matter from the perspective of climate, culture or health, it has rich connotations and significance.