The Nine-Nine Song: A Traditional Chinese Folk Song Describing Winter

The 'Nine-Nine Song' is a traditional Chinese folk song that describes the gradual warming of winter using nine-day periods. It goes like this: 'One nine two nine, don't take action; Three nine four nine, walking on ice; Five nine six nine, watching willows along the river; Seven nine, the river opens; Eight nine, the geese arrive; Nine nine and ten nine, oxen ploughing everywhere.' Each 'nine' in this song represents a period of nine days in the winter season.

This song captures the essence of the winter season in China. Here is a breakdown of its meaning:

• 'One nine two nine, don't take action': The first 18 days of winter are the coldest, with temperatures so low that people are advised to stay indoors.
• 'Three nine four nine, walking on ice': As the weather starts to warm slightly, the ice on rivers and lakes becomes thick enough to walk on.
• 'Five nine six nine, watching willows along the river': The weather continues to improve, with willows starting to show signs of life along the river banks.
• 'Seven nine, the river opens': The ice on the rivers melts, and the water begins to flow again.
• 'Eight nine, the geese arrive': As spring approaches, migratory geese return from their southern wintering grounds.
• 'Nine nine and ten nine, oxen ploughing everywhere': The weather has become warm enough for farmers to begin working their fields and preparing for the spring planting season.

The 'Nine-Nine Song' provides a poetic and memorable way to track the progress of winter in China. It reflects the close relationship that people have with nature and the cyclical rhythms of life.