Eating dumplings is a traditional custom in early winter, especially in the south of the Yangtze River. In the south of Shanghai, it is winter to eat glutinous rice balls. In the past, Shanghainese were most particular about eating glutinous rice balls. They tasted the newly brewed sweet white wine, flower cakes and glutinous rice balls at the family banquet, and then sacrificed their ancestors with meat pieces.

"Tangyuan" is an essential food from winter solstice, and it is a round dessert made of glutinous rice flour. "Round" means "reunion" and "perfection". Eating glutinous rice balls on the winter solstice is also called "the winter solstice group". There is a folk saying that "eating glutinous rice balls is one year older". The winter solstice group can be used to worship ancestors or give gifts to relatives and friends.

In the past, Shanghainese were most particular about eating jiaozi. An ancient poem said, "Every family beats rice to make glutinous rice balls, knowing that it is the winter solstice of the Ming Dynasty." "Circle" means "reunion" and "perfection". Eating jiaozi on the solstice in winter symbolizes family harmony and good luck.

Introduction of winter solstice

The winter solstice is the 22nd solar term in the 24 solar terms of the China lunar calendar and the third solar term in winter. Generally occurs on February 20 or 22, 265438+65438 every year. The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night in the northern hemisphere all year round, and then the days become longer and the nights become shorter.

In ancient China, the winter solstice was a very important festival. It is said that the winter solstice is as big as a year, and its celebrations can even rival the Spring Festival. The solstice in winter is considered as the time when yin and yang alternate and everything is renewed. People will hold sacrificial activities to pray for a bumper harvest and peace in the coming year. In addition, the winter solstice is also a time for family reunion. Eating jiaozi, glutinous rice balls and other foods has become a custom, symbolizing reunion and harmony.

In modern times, celebrating the winter solstice has been simplified, but in some areas, people still keep the habit of eating traditional foods, such as jiaozi and glutinous rice balls. In addition, the winter solstice is also an important time for health preservation. Many people will follow the principle of "storage in winter" and enhance their body's resistance by adjusting their diet and lifestyle.

The origin of the winter solstice is closely related to the astronomical observation, calendar making and philosophical thinking in ancient China. It is not only a solar term, but also an important part of China traditional culture and folk customs.

Please refer to Baidu Encyclopedia-Winter Solstice for the above contents.