（来源：CGTN）

大寒，是二十四节气中的最后一个节气，一般在每年公历1月20日至21日，今年为1月20日。大寒过后便是立春，至此完成一轮节气的流转，迎来新岁的序章。

和小寒一样，大寒也是表征寒冷程度的节气，意为天气寒冷已达极致。此时北半球正值“三九”“四九”寒天，寒潮频繁南下，既是一年中最冷的时节，也是雨水最少的阶段。

从大寒到农历新年，民间有许多应节的习俗，例如吃糯米食品、扫屋除尘、张贴窗花、腌制腊味、赶集置办年货等。人们也常在此期间欢度腊八节，煮一碗醇厚香甜的腊八粥，在冬日的寒凉里，盛满对岁岁安康的温暖祈愿。

Major Cold, the final of the 24 solar terms, arrives on January 20 this year. Like Minor Cold, Major Cold signifies the degree of bitter cold, literally meaning that the weather is at its most frigid. It is not only the coldest time of the year but also the period with the least rainfall. From Major Cold to the Chinese New Year, numerous folk customs are observed: eating glutinous food, cleaning the house, sticking paper cuttings to windows, curing preserved meats and going to fairs for New Year shopping. People also celebrate the Laba Festival at this time, which includes cooking a bowl of rich and sweet Laba congee – a warm treat brimming with wishes for peace and well-being year after year, dispelling the chill of the winter days.