[The 24 Solar Terms] Daikan (Major Cold)

Daikan (Major Cold)

Approx. January 20th - February 3rd

This is the coldest period of the year.

It is also the last of the 24 solar terms in winter, and after Daikan, spring arrives on the calendar.

 

《72 Micro-Seasons》

Approx. January 20th - 24th: "Fuki no hana saku" (Butterbur flowers bloom)

Approx. January 25th - 29th: "Sawamizu koori tsumeru" (Swamp water freezes solid)

Approx. January 30th - February 3rd: "Niwatori hajimete toya ni tsuku" (Hens begin to lay eggs)

Under the cold ground, butterbur flowers begin to bloom, and even as the swamp water freezes, chickens sense the signs of spring and begin to lay eggs.

 

The last day of Daikan is Setsubun, well-known for bean-throwing.

It is an annual event to ward off evil and pray for a year free from misfortune as the new cycle of seasons begins.