What kind of solar term is Major Cold (大寒)?

It is one of the 24 solar terms, entering the Winter season, belonging to the element Water with the Kidney as its central organ.

What is good to do at Major Cold?

Winter's end, preparing for spring. Wake the qi gradually with gentle activity. Conversely, abrupt temperature change — warm the body when moving in and out.

How does Major Cold relate to Four Pillars?

The solar terms mark the month boundaries in Four Pillars astrology. The month's pillar changes at the solar term (the sectional entry), not the first of the calendar month.

大寒

Major Colddàhán

Winter · Water · Kidney · term no. 24

At a glance

Major Cold (大寒) is one of the 24 solar terms, entering the Winter season. In the five elements it belongs to Water, and its central organ is the Kidney. Winter's end, preparing for spring. Wake the qi gradually with gentle activity.

Seasonal care in Major Cold

Winter's end, preparing for spring. Wake the qi gradually with gentle activity.

What to avoid in Major Cold

Abrupt temperature change — warm the body when moving in and out.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of solar term is Major Cold (大寒)?: It is one of the 24 solar terms, entering the Winter season, belonging to the element Water with the Kidney as its central organ.
What is good to do at Major Cold?: Winter's end, preparing for spring. Wake the qi gradually with gentle activity. Conversely, abrupt temperature change — warm the body when moving in and out.
How does Major Cold relate to Four Pillars?: The solar terms mark the month boundaries in Four Pillars astrology. The month's pillar changes at the solar term (the sectional entry), not the first of the calendar month.

Check which term it is now, alongside today's day pillar, in the almanac.

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Seasonal care follows the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (Four-Qi Attunement).