用英语讲中国传统文化｜二十四节气系列：小寒——寒冬中的温暖港湾

Minor Cold (Xiaohan) – A Winter Refuge

When January arrives in China, the days grow colder and shorter. This is the time of Minor Cold (小寒), or Xiaohan, the twenty-third solar term of the Chinese lunar calendar. Although not always the coldest part of winter, Xiaohan often brings steady, piercing winds and morning frost to cities and villages alike.

Across the country, people adapt their lives to face the change in weather. In the mornings, rooftops sparkle with ice crystals and walking outside means bundling up in thick coats and scarves. Many families light coal stoves or turn on heaters to keep their homes warm and cozy. For those living in the countryside, caring for pets and farm animals becomes a daily task, making sure all creatures are protected from the chill.

Food brings comfort during this cold season. Hot pots filled with vegetables and meat become a favorite choice for dinner, letting everyone gather around and share warmth. In the north, people often make millet porridge with beans or dried fruit. Warm drinks like ginger soup or sweet red date tea are served, not just for flavor but also to support health.

As the Spring Festival draws near, neighborhood streets fill with the sound of cleaning and preparations. Many families busy themselves washing windows, hanging red decorations, and shopping for new clothes. These customs help people look forward to brighter days and celebrate hope, even while winter’s calm still covers the landscape.

While the outside world may seem quiet and cold, Xiaohan shows there is always a place for connection, warmth, and small joys indoors.

互动练习

根据短文内容，完成下列句子。每空一词。

1. Xiaohan is the ________ solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar.
2. People wear thick coats and ________ to protect themselves from the cold.
3. Hot pot and millet ________ are common foods enjoyed during Xiaohan.
4. Warm drinks like ginger soup and red date ________ help support health.
5. Cleaning and hanging red ________ are part of getting ready for Spring Festival.

Word Bank 词汇集锦

• ice crystal /aɪs ˈkrɪstl/ n. 冰晶
• scarf /skɑːf/ n. 围巾
• porridge /ˈpɒr.ɪdʒ/ n. 粥
• tea /tiː/ n. 茶
• decoration /ˌdek.əˈreɪ.ʃən/ n. 装饰品
• heater /ˈhiː.tər/ n. 取暖器
• coal /kəʊl/ n. 煤
• prepare /prɪˈpeər/ v. 准备
• animal /ˈæn.ɪ.məl/ n. 动物

文章难度 📊CEFR 等级：B1

一月到来，白天渐短，气温更低。这正是中国农历的第二十三个节气——小寒。虽然不一定是一年中最冷的时候，但小寒往往带来持续的寒风和晨间的薄霜，无论城市还是乡村都感受到冷意。

全国各地，人们都在调整生活来适应天气变化。清晨，屋顶常常结着冰晶，出门时要穿上厚外套和围巾。家庭会点上煤炉或打开取暖器，让室内保持温暖舒适。农村的人们还要每天照看家中的宠物或牲畜，确保它们都能安全越冬。

饮食上有许多温暖的选择。大家喜欢围坐一起吃上满是蔬菜和肉的火锅，北方还会做小米粥配豆子或干果。生姜汤和红枣茶等热饮很受欢迎，不仅暖身也有益健康。

春节逐渐临近，街头巷尾传来扫除和准备的动静。家家户户开始擦窗、挂红色装饰、购买新衣服。这些习俗让人们即使在冬日的安静中，也期待和迎接新年的到来。

即使外面清冷寂静，小寒也提醒我们：家中总有温馨、陪伴和生活的乐趣。

✨答案

1. twenty-third
2. scarves
3. porridge
4. tea
5. decorations