Today marks the Start of Winter. Plants draw their life back into their roots, and insects retreat into hibernation. The earth gathers the year's vitality deep into its soil. All things do the same: retreat and preserve.

今日立冬，草木归根，虫豸入蛰。天地把一年的生机收进泥土深处，万物都在做同一件事：藏。

At the foot of Songshan Mountain, the fields grow firm with cold. A thin layer of ice forms on the water jars by the kiln. Yet the clay within remains soft and moist. As the northern wind sweeps by, skilled hands knead the clay, guided by patience and precision.

嵩麓的田土收紧了，窑场的水缸浮起一层薄冰，缸里那团泥却还润着。朔风掠过，掌心揉的是泥，守的是分寸。

Inside the kiln, the flames burn on. A handful of earth slowly settles and takes shape in the fire. Awaiting the day the kiln opens, revealing its smooth, jade-like glaze.

窑内赤焰不熄，一捧泥土在火中慢慢沉静、定型，只等开窑那天，见温润光泽。

The sun's shifting shadows mark the four seasons. Through a season of fire, a layer of glaze takes form. To preserve and to flourish are never truly separate. Only what is carefully preserved can endure; only what endures can be passed down through generations.

天以日影定四时，火以一季成一层釉，原来藏与发从不是两件事。收得住，才留得下；留得下，才传得远。

As winter begins, may peace and warmth fill the days, as we quietly await the return of spring.

立冬已至，愿冬安岁暖，静候春来。

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（来源：wherezhengzhou）