The winter solstice is a very important solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar and a traditional festival of the Chinese nation. It marks the official start of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and is also known as the "Winter Festival", "Long Solstice Festival", "Sub-year", etc.
On the day of the winter solstice, the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Northern Hemisphere has the shortest days and the longest nights. This is also the time of year when the yin energy is at its peak, but it also means that the yang energy begins to grow gradually. In traditional Chinese culture, the winter solstice is considered an auspicious day, and various celebrations are held on this day.
In the northern region, there is a custom of eating dumplings on the winter solstice. It is said that this custom originated in the Eastern Han Dynasty, when Zhang Zhongjing, a doctor, saw that many people's ears were frostbitten in winter, so he wrapped mutton, pepper and other cold-warding ingredients in dough to make food in the shape of ears, and distributed them to the poor to help them keep warm. Later, this food became known as "dumplings" and gradually spread.
In the southern region, there is a custom of eating glutinous rice balls on the winter solstice. Tangyuan is a round food made from glutinous rice flour and wrapped in various fillings such as sesame seeds, bean paste, peanuts, etc. It is believed that eating rice balls can symbolize reunion and consummation, and also has the meaning of praying for peace and health.
In addition to eating dumplings and glutinous rice balls, there are some other traditional ways to celebrate the winter solstice. For example, in the Jiangnan region, rice wine is brewed on the day of the winter solstice to celebrate the growth of yang energy. In some places, people also worship their ancestors on the day of the winter solstice to express their feelings of remembrance for their deceased loved ones.
In short, the winter solstice is a very important solar term and festival, which not only represents the change of seasons, but also carries rich cultural connotations and traditional customs. On this special day, people can reunite with their families, taste delicious food, and feel the charm of traditional culture.