The winter solstice, as the 22nd solar term in the 24 solar terms of the Chinese lunar calendar and the fourth solar term in winter, is the winter solstice on December 22 or 23 every year when the sun reaches 270° of yellow longitude. On this day, the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn of the Earth, and the Northern Hemisphere has the shortest days and longest nights, making it the shortest day and longest night of the year.
In China, the winter solstice has a long history and rich cultural connotation, and there are many customs and taboos about the winter solstice. Among them, the "Winter Solstice Four Don't Throw" is one of them. So, what exactly does the winter solstice four not throw refer to?
On the day of the winter solstice, there are four things that cannot be thrown away, namely: do not throw away old clothes, do not throw away old shoes, do not throw away old furniture, and do not throw away old books. These four things represent the four aspects of people's lives: dressing, walking, living, and learning. In ancient times, people's living conditions were relatively difficult and material scarcity, so people cherished items very much, believing that these items had their value and significance. On the day of the winter solstice, people should cherish these items even more to pray for good weather and abundant crops in the coming year.
So, why should we cherish these four things especially on the day of the winter solstice?This has profound cultural connotations and implications.
1. Don't throw away old clothes. In ancient times, clothing was a very precious item, and people often only had one or two sets of clothes, and they had to be mended and worn out again. Therefore, people should especially cherish their clothes on the day of the winter solstice to show gratitude for life and cherish material things. At the same time, it is also a reminder to be diligent and thrifty and not waste resources.
2. Don't throw away old shoes. Shoes are a tool for people to walk and are related to people's safety and health. In ancient times, shoes were also very precious items, people often only had one pair of shoes, and they had to be repaired and worn out again. Therefore, people should especially cherish their shoes on the day of the winter solstice to show gratitude for life and cherish material things. At the same time, it is also a reminder for people to take care of their bodies and pay attention to safety and health.
3. Don't throw away old furniture. Furniture is a necessity for people to live in, and it is related to people's quality of life and happiness. In ancient times, furniture was also a very precious item, and people often only had one set of furniture, and they had to repair and reuse it when it was broken. Therefore, people should especially cherish their furniture on the day of the winter solstice to show gratitude for life and cherish material things. At the same time, it is also a reminder for people to care for their families and create a warm and harmonious living environment.
4. Don't throw away old books. Books are a tool for people to learn, and they are related to people's knowledge and wisdom. In ancient times, books were very precious items, and people often only had a few books, and they had to be repaired and reused after reading them. Therefore, people should especially cherish their books on the day of the winter solstice to show gratitude for life and cherish knowledge. At the same time, it is also a reminder for people to keep learning and improve their quality and ability.
In today's era of increasingly abundant material life, we should inherit and carry forward this traditional cultural spirit to improve our quality of life and happiness. However, with the progress of the times, people's living standards have been continuously improved, and material life has become more and more abundant. In the process, some traditional customs and taboos are gradually forgotten and diluted.
Therefore, we should strengthen the inheritance and promotion of traditional culture, so that more people can understand and realize the meaning and value of "four don't throw away on the winter solstice". On the occasion of the winter solstice, let us practice the traditional custom of "four no-throwaways on the winter solstice", cherish our material life, care for our family and body, and constantly pursue knowledge and wisdom. Make our lives better and happier, and make our culture more prosperous and prosperous.