The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Major Cold (大寒), the 24th solar term in annual lunar calendar, begins this year on Jan 20. In this period, snow, rain and icy cold weather exert a big influence on people's lives.
In 2021，January 20 is not only the beginning of Major Cold but also the La Ba Festival (腊八节), which is the most important traditional festival during Major Cold. On La Ba Festival, people usually eat La Ba porridge, a porridge with eight kinds of mixed grains and corn. The festival is also a prelude to the Spring Festival (Chinese Lunar New Year).
