roccoschili Chapter 283 Beginning of Winter (1)
Chapter 283 Beginning of Winter (1)
Soon, the hovercraft slowly stopped at the entrance of the nursery. The moment I stepped out of the car, the sight before me was breathtaking! The nursery's grounds were beautifully decorated, with real trees and flowers dotting the landscape, creating a vibrant, natural atmosphere. High-tech projection technology also created a dreamlike, magical scene, making one feel as if they were in a fairyland. Multicolored lights intertwined and flickered in the air, transforming into a variety of vibrant patterns and shapes, sometimes transforming into dancing butterflies, sometimes into galloping horses, and sometimes into blossoming flowers... These magical light and shadow effects complemented each other, making the entire nursery look incredibly charming, like a dreamland in a fairytale world.
On the day of the beginning of winter, the sun shone softly on the earth. The kindergarten was bustling with people and the atmosphere was cheerful and warm. All the links were carried out in an orderly and smooth manner as we had imagined.
As time went by, the community nursery team arrived at the park in a well-organized and punctual manner. At the same time, the enthusiastic nursery fans also arrived without exception. Seeing these adorable fans interacting intimately with the innocent children, I couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in my heart.
I quickly activated my advanced hover camera and launched the livestream of today's kindergarten activities. Today's responsibilities were clearly defined: I was primarily responsible for managing the entire livestream, ensuring viewers could watch the spectacular footage in real time. The rest of the activities were handled by the experienced and approachable Lotta, who was responsible for explaining and coordinating the various activities.
After all participants were seated, we led them into the spacious, brightly lit classroom. A large, high-definition projector was ready, quietly waiting to present its captivating presentation. Lotta, smiling, gracefully approached the stage and, following the pre-arranged process, began a detailed introduction to the Lidong solar term: "Dear children, parents, and friends, hello! On our beautiful blue planet, there lies an ancient and great nation—Huaxia. Long ago, the wise and industrious people there divided the year into four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Furthermore, they further subdivided the year into twenty-four ingenious solar terms! Today happens to be one of them, the Lidong solar term..."
The solar term of Beginning of Winter has many distinctive characteristics!
The first thing to mention is the sudden drop in temperature! As soon as the Beginning of Winter arrives, the temperature plummets dramatically, signaling the official arrival of winter. And as the cold front continues to surge, the temperature drops incredibly quickly, taking us by surprise. So, everyone, please stay tuned to the weather, bundle up, and make sure you're staying warm!
Now let's talk about the dry weather. Around the beginning of winter, precipitation in most parts of China decreases significantly, and the air becomes dry, as if all the moisture is sucked out. This can lead to various problems. For example, your skin may become dry and flaky, and your throat may become uncomfortable and itchy. Furthermore, dry weather significantly increases the risk of fire. If you're not careful, a small spark can ignite a raging blaze—a serious threat that shouldn't be underestimated!
Finally, another crucial characteristic is the shortening of daylight hours! After the Beginning of Winter, the hours of sunlight decrease daily, and the sun's altitude in the sky at noon also decreases. Consequently, winter days seem especially short, while nights become incredibly long. Think about it, with daylight appearing so early and daylight so late, doesn't it always give you the illusion of running out of time? But that's okay; you can snuggle into a warm bed early and get a good night's sleep, rested and refreshed for the day ahead!
Across the vast interstellar landscape, there's a significant temperature difference between north and south. After the Beginning of Winter, the northern lands are already shrouded in cold. On Cybertron, for example, the chill begins to bite as early as October. With the arrival of Beginning of Winter, snowflakes flutter down, and the temperature plummets to below 10°C. The winter is long and harsh, with warmer weather not returning until April of the following year.
In contrast, the south might still be in the tail end of autumn or just entering early winter. Ceres is a prime example, where temperatures remain around a pleasant 28°C, though a slight chill can be felt in the mornings and evenings. Such significant temperature differences force people to consider the impact of local climate on their clothing and diet.
Besides the obvious temperature difference, the natural landscapes of the north and south also present distinct changes. In northern China, the first frost or snow often marks the arrival of winter. White frost blankets the fields and trees, cloaking the earth in a silvery blanket; the swirling snowflakes create a dreamlike world of ice and snow. Meanwhile, in the south, unusual weather phenomena such as fog or smog may occur, reflecting the shifting winter climate and environmental changes.
In the vast land of China, whenever the Beginning of Winter solar term comes, rich and colorful customs unfold slowly like a gorgeous painting.
Celebrating the beginning of winter, a time-honored tradition, was a crucial part of the ancient "Four Seasons and Eight Festivals." Back then, the emperor, aloof from the throne, would personally travel out of the city to hold grand winter welcoming ceremonies, demonstrating his reverence and importance for this solar term. Furthermore, the emperor would bestow winter clothing upon his ministers, demonstrating his immense favor. Special care was also provided to the lonely and helpless, offering a sense of warmth during the cold winter. Ordinary people, likewise, greeted the Beginning of Winter with reverence. Ancestral worship ceremonies were solemn and dignified, with people reverently offering a variety of seasonal delicacies to their ancestors, praying for good weather, abundant harvests, and prosperity for the family in the coming year. Furthermore, lively banquets were an indispensable part of the celebration, with friends and family gathering to enjoy delicious food and wine, laughter and joy echoing in every corner.
When discussing Lidong's culinary traditions, dumplings are a must-mention! Especially in northern China, eating dumplings on Lidong has long been a deeply rooted tradition. Those delicate, small dumplings, like exquisite works of art, are filled with fillings, symbolizing family reunion and a fulfilling life. When the steaming dumplings are served, families gather together to savor the delicious treat, their hearts filled with longing for a better future. Everyone believes that eating these dumplings will usher in a happy and healthy new year.
Meanwhile, in southern China, the custom of drinking mutton soup during the Beginning of Winter is popular. As we all know, mutton has a warming nature and possesses excellent warming and tonic properties, helping people withstand the harsh winter cold and strengthening their immune system. While winters in the south are milder than in the north, the damp and cold weather can still be chilling. Therefore, a bowl of rich and fragrant mutton soup has become the perfect way to ward off the cold and stay warm. Families gather around the table, savoring the delicious mutton soup, feeling the warmth that spreads from their tongues to their hearts, filled with joy. This custom is more than just a way to satisfy a craving; it also reflects the wisdom of southerners in adapting to the natural environment and prioritizing health and wellness. And today, our kindergarten has prepared mutton soup for everyone, preparing them for the arrival of winter.