winter spiritual austerities
Refers to ascetic practices performed during the coldest part of winter, often involving cold-water ablutions or other endurance training, typically in a Buddhist or Shugendō context.
Every January, the ascetic monks perform winter austerities by standing under a waterfall.
After finishing the winter austerities, the participants warmed themselves with hot tea.
Compound of 寒 (かん, 'cold') and 行 (ぎょう, 'practice' or 'austerities'), literally 'cold practice'.