The winter solstice has a long history in China and is regarded as an important solar term in the lunar calendar. It represents the longest day, the longest night and the shortest day in winter. As the sun reaches the lowest point in the northern hemisphere on this day, it also marks the beginning of the gradual increase of sunshine and the gradual extension of day and night.
The solstice in winter is rich in China customs and celebrations. People will congratulate each other on the happy winter solstice and hold various celebrations. One of the most famous customs is to eat dumplings. Tangyuan is a round cake made of glutinous rice, which symbolizes reunion and harmony. On the solstice of winter, families will get together, taste glutinous rice balls and express their expectations and wishes for family reunion.
Besides eating glutinous rice balls, people will also carry out some other traditional activities. For example, in the south, people like to play the game of pushing needles. This is a traditional recreational activity. On the solstice of winter, people get together and compete for skills and luck. In the north, people like to eat jiaozi. Jiaozi is a kind of flour product wrapped with various fillings, which symbolizes wealth and good luck. People believe that eating jiaozi can bring good luck and wealth in the new year.
The solstice in winter is also regarded as an important health preserving moment by some folk doctors. They believe that the yang of the human body reaches its lowest point in winter solstice, and then begins to increase gradually. Therefore, they suggest that people eat more food to supplement their bodies and keep warm to help them adjust.
Generally speaking, the winter solstice is a festival full of traditions and customs, representing the beginning of winter and the arrival of the New Year. People express their expectations for reunion, harmony, good luck and health through celebrations. Whether eating glutinous rice balls, playing pushpin games or enjoying delicious food, the solstice in winter is a joyful moment, which makes people feel the warmth and happiness of their families and communities.
Here is a picture showing the celebration of the winter solstice: