The winter solstice is the 22nd of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms and the fourth in winter. On the day of the winter solstice, the sun reaches 270 degrees of ecliptic longitude and the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn, marking the official arrival of winter. The arrival of the winter solstice also means that the coldest period of the year is about to begin.
The characteristics of the winter solstice solar term are mainly the sudden drop in temperature, scarce precipitation, dry air, and frequent meteorological disasters such as strong winds, hail, and freezing rain. At the same time, the winter solstice is also the shortest day of the year and the longest night, when the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn, the northern hemisphere has the smallest solar altitude angle, and the ground receives the least solar radiation energy.
In traditional Chinese culture, the winter solstice is an important solar term and an important festival. As early as the Han Dynasty, the winter solstice has become one of the four official solar terms, and it has been named the "Winter Festival". In the folk, the winter solstice is also an important sacrificial festival, people will worship ancestors, sacrifice to the gods, and pray for a good harvest and peace in the coming year. At the same time, there is also a folk saying that "the winter solstice is as big as the year", and it is believed that the winter solstice is as important as the Spring Festival.
On the day of the winter solstice, people eat traditional foods such as glutinous rice balls and dumplings, which symbolize reunion and happiness. In addition, there are some local foods, such as Beijing's "Winter Solstice Dumplings", Shaanxi's "Mutton Steamed Bun", Hunan's "Winter Solstice Rice Noodles" and so on. These foods not only have strong local characteristics, but also carry people's thoughts of home and love for their loved ones.
In addition to food, there are some special customs and activities on the winter solstice. In the southern region, people will carry out the activity of "99 cold" on this day, that is, painting plum blossoms and writing pictures of 99 to eliminate cold, etc., in order to drive away the cold and spend the long winter. In the north, a variety of winter sports and fitness activities such as skiing, ice skating, snowball fights and more are held on this day. These activities not only help to exercise the body, but also increase people's physical strength and endurance to cope with the cold and dryness of winter.
In modern society, with the acceleration of urbanization and modernization, people's lifestyles and habits are also constantly changing. However, the winter solstice, as an important part of traditional Chinese culture, still occupies an important place in people's lives. Whether in the city or in the countryside, families come together on this day to enjoy the food and the warm atmosphere. At the same time, people also celebrate this special holiday in various ways, such as holding family gatherings, participating in community events, etc. These activities not only help to enhance people's feelings and cohesion, but also inherit and promote traditional Chinese culture.
In short, the winter solstice is an important solar term and festival in traditional Chinese culture. It not only marks the official arrival of the winter of the year, but also carries people's thoughts of home and love for their loved ones. On the day of the winter solstice, people come together to enjoy the food and the warm atmosphere, while also celebrating this special holiday in a variety of ways. These activities not only help to enhance people's feelings and cohesion, but also inherit and promote traditional Chinese culture.