The winter solstice is an important solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar and the beginning of winter. At this special moment, there are different customs in various parts of China, and the most representative of them is eating dumplings.
Dumplings, also known as "Jiaozi", symbolize good luck and wish for peace, health and success in the new year. The custom of eating dumplings on the winter solstice originated from the ancient sacrifice to the winter solstice, and later gradually evolved into a folk custom. Dumplings are shaped like ingots, meaning wealth and good fortune, so on the day of the winter solstice, people will eat a bowl of hot dumplings, praying for a prosperous and happy life in the new year.
The custom of eating dumplings on the winter solstice also has different characteristics in different places. In the north, people like to stuff with ingredients such as pork, green onions, and cabbage, which symbolize a good harvest and abundance. In the south, people prefer to use fish, shrimp and other ingredients for filling, implying that there is more than enough every year. In addition, there are some places that will make a variety of dumplings according to local characteristics and habits, such as spicy dumplings in Sichuan, shrimp dumplings in Guangdong, etc., each with its own characteristics and mouth-watering.
Eating dumplings on the winter solstice is not only a custom, but also an emotional sustenance. On this day, people gather with their families to make dumplings while talking about the joys and sorrows of the past year, and sharing their expectations and hopes for the new year. The dumplings are tumbling in the pot, just like life, full of ups and downs. However, as long as the family is reunited, no matter how difficult life is, it will feel warm and happy.
Eating dumplings on the winter solstice is also a kind of cultural inheritance. Through this custom, we can understand the importance of the winter solstice in ancient China, and we can also feel the love of life and the expectations of the Chinese people for the future. Dumplings are not only a delicacy, but also an emotional sustenance and an attitude to life.
Today's winter solstice, eat a bowl of dumplings, feel the warmth and blessings, and pray for peace, health, smoothness and happiness in the new year!