Pyongyang, January 6 (KCNA) -- January is the coldest month of a year. And it has Sohan (moderate cold) and Taehan (intense cold), the last ones of the 24 seasonal divisions according to the lunar calendar.

Sohan comes before or after January 6 of the solar calendar every year, and it falls on January 5 this year.

Taehan falls on January 20 or 21 of the solar calendar every year. It is the last one of the 24 seasonal divisions of the lunar calendar.

From olden times, the Korean people, who regard farming as the great foundation of the country, have made steady preparations for farming even in January, making straw ropes and baskets in houses or collecting muck.

After Taehan, people have kept the outside and inside of their houses neat and tidy to greet the lunar New Year's Day in a clean environment and women have prepared clothes and foods for the day.

In January, the Korean people have used to enjoy hot dishes such as bean paste soup and casserole. Among them, Pyongyang Onban (cooked rice served in chicken soup), is well known for its peculiar flavour.

Besides, they have played various folk games such as yut-game, see-saw, kite-flying and sleighing.

Like this, the Korean people have created and carried forward diligent and diverse customs of life suited to the characteristics of January. -0-