大雪是中国传统二十四节气（the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms）中的第二十一个节气， 大雪的英文表达是Major Snow。“大者，盛也。至此而雪盛矣。” 此时的降雪量并不一定是最大的，但降雪的几率在逐渐增大。

During Major Snow, the snow becomes heavy and begins to accumulate on the ground. The temperature drops significantly.

大雪时节，降雪量增大，地面开始积雪，温度下降显著。

民间素来有 “瑞雪兆丰年”（"A timely snow promises a good harvest."）的说法。待到白雪覆盖茫茫大地，越冬的害虫会被低温杀死。

The snow in North China may last a whole day, breaking tree branches and blocking the road. The natural scenery is "ice blockading for hundreds miles and snow flying through thousands miles". In the South, the snowflakes swirl around and the world turns white.

大雪当天，在中国北方，降雪可能持续一整日，积雪压断树枝，堵塞道路。自然景色可谓“千里冰封，万里雪飘”。而南方则是雪花纷飞，世界渐渐染上银色。

大雪节气有哪些习俗呢？一起来看看吧。

“墙角数枝梅，凌寒独自开。”诗人赋予了梅花坚强、无畏的特性，自此“观梅”不再仅仅是为了赏花，更增添了几分高洁的意趣。南方地区的腊梅常在12月开放，所以大雪正是赏梅好时节。

Wintersweet originated in China and is highly appreciated in Chinese culture for its endurance in severe winters. With pine and bamboo, it is referred to as one of the Three Friends of Winter.

腊梅原产于中国，在中国文化中因其不惧严寒的耐力而广受赞誉。腊梅同松、竹一同被称为“岁寒三友”。

羊肉性温，是中国人冬季进补的“宠儿”。大冷天来份清炖羊肉汤，对滋养身体，促进血液循环和御寒都是极好的。

People in Chongqing like to have potted lamb soup or stewed lamb soup with their families and friends. Nanjing residents like to stew the lamb with yams or wolfberries to make it more nutritious.

重庆人喜欢同亲朋好友一起吃羊肉汤锅，南京人则爱用山药枸杞炖羊肉，这样更滋补。

大雪时节，南京、杭州、合肥、重庆等地的居民会灌香肠，这是春节的重要食物之一。阖家团圆之日，吃一口家人亲手做的香肠，就像把一口古老而又亲近的心意吃进了心里。

The best meat for sausage is that of the pig's buttock. The sausage should be dried in a well-ventilated place in the shade. After a week, they are edible. Cut a certain amount off, and boil or fry it as you like.

猪臀肉是制作香肠的绝佳食材。香肠需要在通风良好的阴凉处晾干，一周后即可食用。切下一小块，煮炸任君选。

大雪时气候干燥，温度较低，是支气管炎、哮喘病等呼吸道疾病的高发期。这一时期，可通过戴围巾、喝热水来保暖御寒，预防着凉咳嗽。

During Major Snow, the weather becomes drier and colder, so people should drink more water. But one should not drink too much water at once. Besides, don't drink cold water immediately after exercise.

大雪时节会变得愈发干燥、寒冷，所以人们要多喝水，但不要一次性喝太多。此外，也要注意不要在运动后马上喝冷水。

文章来源：中国日报双语新闻