Traditional Chinese Wisdom Says Now’s the Time for Wine, Sun, and Plenty of Ginger

Traditional Chinese Wisdom Says Now’s the Time for Wine, Sun, and Plenty of Ginger

Tuning in to the season helps the body and mind navigate the cool months ahead

A solar term is a period of about two weeks, based on the sun’s position in the zodiac. Solar terms form the traditional Chinese calendar system. The calendar follows the ancient Chinese belief that living in accordance with nature will enable one to live a harmonious life. This article series explores each solar term, offering guidance on how to best navigate the season.

Winter Commences (Nov. 7–21) is the first solar term of winter. Far from being too cold to enjoy, now is the time for harvesting grains and roots, savoring cold-hearty chrysanthemums, and partaking in or making warming wines.

The traditional Chinese calendar system recognizes winter a full six weeks earlier than what most Americans know as winter’s start, but we can already see proof in the colder parts of the world that water is starting to freeze, and frost is starting to blanket the ground.

Plants that live above the ground have mostly stopped growing due to the cold, while grains and roots vegetables are at their peak. For wildlife and people, it is the season to hibernate and conserve energy.

Now is a good time to make wine as the temperatures are perfect to facilitate winemaking without risking fermentation or spoiling.

And a special treat, beautiful chrysanthemums are in full bloom during this time.

The abundant petals of certain species of chrysanthemums can be enjoyed as a tea, which is especially gorgeous to admire in a glass teapot.

Petals may also be cooked into a hot soup or stew, together with meat or beans. Chinese chrysanthemum is thought to cleanse the lungs and blood and prevent buildup inside the blood vessels.

If you want to try cooking with chrysanthemum, make the soup base, and add the petals at the end of the cooking process.

Although it is getting too cold outdoors for most plants to grow, there’s a nice and aromatic one we can keep indoors around this time: daffodils!

Now is the perfect time to plant daffodil bulbs. Water it throughout the winter and it will be ready in early spring with both its aroma and pretty flowers. It will lift your mood in the grey, cold days with anticipation for its delicate scent and elegant shapes.

Impact on People

It is very common to feel depressed around this time of the year. The body feels cold, the sky is dark, and we feel sleepy.

A nice energy recharge is highly recommended. Try basking in the midday sun, drinking quality herbal tea, or listening to classical music like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, or Shen Yun Performing Arts Orchestra. For the most fortunate ones, you may find Shen Yun performing in your area. Check it out!

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