I. Understanding Frost's Descent

Frost's Descent arrives around October 23rd each year. “The air grows stern and condenses; dew crystallizes into frost.” As temperatures drop further, dew freezes into frost, hence the name “Frost's Descent.” This marks autumn's final solar term, signaling the season's end and winter's imminent arrival.

II. The Three Signs of Frost's Descent

First Sign: Wolves Offer Sacrificial Beasts: Wolves begin hunting in large numbers, displaying their prey before consuming it, as if performing an “autumn sacrifice” ritual.

Second Sign: Grass and Trees Turn Yellow and Fall: The autumn wind blows desolately, turning all plants yellow. Leaves drift down as the earth sheds its splendid attire.

Third Sign: Insects Hide and Lower Their Heads: Once-active insects retreat into burrows, lowering their heads to prepare for a long winter hibernation.

III. Food Customs for Frost's Descent

1. Eating Persimmons: “Eat persimmons during Frost's Descent, and you won't get a runny nose.” Persimmons at this time have thin skins and thick flesh, exceptionally sweet. They not only ward off the cold but also strengthen the bones and tendons.

2. Admiring Chrysanthemums and Eating Chrysanthemum: Ancient wisdom holds that “chrysanthemums bloom after frost.” Climbing heights to admire chrysanthemums and drinking chrysanthemum wine form the most elegant scenes of Frost's Descent.

3. Simmering Lamb and Beef: As the weather turns cold, a bowl of hot soup provides the most direct defense against the chill.

IV. Health Preservation During Frost's Descent

1. Prevent Dryness: Dry weather easily depletes bodily fluids. Increase intake of pear, apple, olive, and ginkgo nuts to generate fluids and moisturize dryness.

2. Ward off cold: “Cold begins at the feet.” Soak feet in hot water before bed. A folk saying also advises, “Don't expose skin during Frost's Descent.”

3. Combat melancholy: Autumn winds and rains can stir melancholy thoughts. Maintain an early sleep-wake cycle, keep a positive mindset, get ample sunlight, and engage in moderate exercise.

Frost's Descent arrives like a gentle reminder. It tells us that after the splendor fades, we quietly await new beginnings.