December 6, 2025 @ 10:56 PM

大雪 Major Snow (Da Xue): Deepening Stillness and Winter Storage

What Is Major Snow?

Major Snow, also known as Da Xue, marks a phase of winter when cold intensifies and snowfall becomes more frequent and substantial. Occurring in early to mid-December, this Solar Term signals a deeper settling of winter energy and a further withdrawal of activity in the natural world.

While not yet the coldest period of the year, Major Snow represents a clear shift toward greater stillness, quiet, and conservation, preparing the body and environment for the depths of winter ahead.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The name Da Xue translates to “Great Snow” or “Major Snow.” As with all Solar Terms, the name is descriptive rather than symbolic, reflecting observable environmental changes.

During Major Snow:

  • Temperatures drop more consistently

  • Snowfall increases in many regions

  • Natural growth slows significantly

The name emphasizes accumulation—of cold, of stillness, and of seasonal weight—rather than sudden change.

Major Snow in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, winter is the season of storage and preservation, associated primarily with the Kidney system. During Major Snow, the need to protect internal warmth and conserve energy becomes more pronounced.

This period is especially sensitive to:

  • Cold exposure

  • Irregular sleep

  • Inadequate nourishment

  • Excessive physical or mental exertion

Rather than resisting winter’s pull inward, Major Snow encourages intentional slowing and strengthening of the body’s foundations.

Seasonal Focus: Warming and Nourishing

Major Snow is an ideal time to reinforce warming and nourishing habits that support the body through colder conditions.

Seasonal principles during Major Snow include:

  • Emphasizing warm, cooked, and grounding foods

  • Supporting digestion with simple, regular meals

  • Protecting the lower back, abdomen, and feet from cold

  • Allowing more rest and reducing unnecessary activity

The focus is not on productivity, but on maintenance and resilience.

Emotional and Mental Qualities of Major Snow

As winter deepens, emotional energy often becomes quieter and more inward. During Major Snow, people may notice:

  • A desire for rest and solitude

  • Reduced tolerance for overstimulation

  • A need for emotional warmth and stability

Traditional Chinese Medicine views this inward movement as appropriate. Creating space for quiet and simplicity during this time supports emotional balance and reduces stress.

Major Snow as Preparation

Major Snow prepares the body for the deeper stillness of Winter Solstice, Minor Cold, and Big Chill. The care taken during this phase—particularly around warmth, nourishment, and rest—helps preserve vitality through the coldest months of the year.

This is a time to strengthen reserves, not to deplete them.

Living in Rhythm With Major Snow

Major Snow invites a gentle shift toward fewer demands and more care. By slowing down, staying warm, and nourishing consistently, the body aligns with winter’s natural rhythm and builds resilience for the remainder of the season.

Major Snow reminds us that winter does not arrive all at once.

It deepens gradually, and when we respond with patience and preparation, we move through the season with greater ease and balance.

Way2Health • Seasonal Wisdom for Modern Living