The winter solstice is one of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms, and it is also a very important solar term in winter. On this day, the sun reaches 270 degrees of ecliptic longitude, the sun shines almost straight on the Tropic of Capricorn, and the northern hemisphere has the shortest days and the longest nights. The winter solstice is a day full of mystery and celebration, it is not only a solar term, but also a festival that carries rich cultural connotations and emotional values.
China's lunar solar term system has a long history, and the winter solstice, as one of the important solar terms, has been highly valued since ancient times. In ancient times, people used the winter solstice to mark the direction of the year, and it was also for future agricultural activities. According to the "Yellow Emperor's Neijing", it is recorded: "The response of yin and yang, in the intersection of the sun and the moon, is called the winter solstice." This sentence reveals the importance of the winter solstice, which marks the day of the alternation of yin and yang, the moment when yin energy is at its peak, and it is also the beginning of the gradual emergence of yang energy.
The winter solstice has a wide range of traditional customs and celebrations in China. On this day, people actively participate in various celebrations, the most representative of which is food and food culture. On the day of the winter solstice, there are specific dietary taboos and lifestyle habits that need to be followed to maintain good health.
3 to eat 2 not to eat
The winter solstice is an important solar term, and people pay attention to dietary choices, believing that specific foods can bring good luck and health. Here's a more detailed look at the winter solstice diet:
Food to eat
Dumplings:Dumplings are one of the iconic foods of the winter solstice. Its shape resembles the ancient currency, the silver dollar, so eating dumplings is believed to attract wealth and fortune. In addition, dumplings have an important symbolic meaning, which represents reunion. In Chinese culture, reunion is a cherished family virtue, so on the day of the winter solstice, families gather to make dumplings as a symbol of reunion and happiness.
Tangyuan:Tangyuan is another food that is closely associated with the winter solstice. Their round shape represents completeness and completeness. In some places, tangyuan is also called "Lantern Festival", a word that is homophonic to "reunion", so eating tangyuan also carries the meaning of wishing for a successful family life. Often, the dumplings are filled with peanut filling, black sesame filling, or red bean filling, all of which have special meanings such as longevity, good luck, and prosperity.
Bacon:On the day of the winter solstice, people also eat bacon because bacon is preserved for a longer time and can be eaten in winter. Bacon symbolizes welcoming the new year and providing plenty of food for life ahead. In addition, the unique aroma of bacon has also become a major delicacy on the winter solstice.
Other food: In addition to dumplings, glutinous rice balls and bacon, some places also have the custom of eating eggs and tofu. Eggs symbolize the birth of life and represent the prosperity and prosperity of the family. Tofu, on the other hand, is loved for its white color and smooth texture, and is considered a delicacy on the winter solstice, as well as a symbol of peace and harmony.
Foods not to eat
On the day of the winter solstice, people should also take care to avoid certain foods to ensure good health and avoid discomfort:
Raw and cold food:As the weather gradually gets colder after the winter solstice, the body's resistance to cold is weakened, so eating raw and cold food can easily lead to gastrointestinal discomfort. Raw and cold foods include lettuce, watermelon, cold drinks, etc. Avoiding these foods can help keep your stomach and intestines healthy and prevent stomach pain and digestive problems.
Spicy and irritating foods:Spicy foods such as chili, pepper and pepper are irritating and can cause stomach upset and indigestion. On the day of the winter solstice, people want to keep their bodies warm and comfortable, so they should avoid consuming too much spicy food so as not to affect the normal functioning of the digestive system.
The eating habits of the winter solstice reflect the Chinese yearning for health and happiness, as well as the intelligent understanding of seasonal diets. By eating some foods with special meanings, people convey good wishes for wealth, reunion, happiness, and prosperity. At the same time, avoiding raw, cold and spicy foods can help maintain gastrointestinal health and ensure that the body stays warm and comfortable during the cold winter months.
1. Do not move
On the day of the winter solstice, there is one action that needs to be avoided, and that is taking a bath. While bathing is an essential hygiene habit in daily life, it is widely believed that bathing can be detrimental to one's health on the special day of the winter solstice. This traditional concept has its roots in ancient Chinese yin-yang philosophy and folk beliefs.
The winter solstice is the time of the year when yang energy is weakest, and it is also the time when yin energy is at its peak. According to the Yellow Emperor's Neijing, yang energy begins to rise after the winter solstice, which is a critical moment of yin and yang alternation. Therefore, it is believed that bathing on the day of the winter solstice will lead to the loss of yang energy in the body, reduce immunity, and increase the risk of colds and other health problems. In addition, cold weather makes it susceptible to colds after bathing, further exacerbating the discomfort.
Although modern medicine believes that bathing is an important way to maintain hygiene and good health, on the day of the winter solstice, people still uphold the ancient belief that bathing should be avoided as much as possible to protect the body's yang energy. This traditional concept reflects the Chinese's emphasis on health and respect for the balance of yin and yang in nature.
Avoid 3 kinds
On the day of the winter solstice, there are some specific taboos that people will follow to ensure peace, health, and good luck.
Taboos moving and waking up early:
Moving:On the day of the winter solstice, people avoid moving or making large family changes. This is because moving is considered unlucky and can bring instability and bad luck. It is desirable to maintain the stability and harmony of the family during the winter solstice and to avoid any actions that may interfere with the happiness of the family.
Wake up early:On the morning of the winter solstice, people usually get up as late as possible to show respect for winter. This reflects people's fear of long dark nights and cold days, and the desire to minimize going out and exertion. It is also a traditional way of life to adapt to the climate change in winter.
Don't drink alcohol:
On the day of the winter solstice, there is a custom of taboo drinking alcohol in some places. This is because alcohol is irritating and can easily cause gastrointestinal upset, and it can also affect a person's judgment and reflexes. On this special day, people want to stay sober and healthy, so they try to avoid alcohol, especially in excess.
Taboo quarrels:
The winter solstice is a day of alternation of yin and yang, and is considered to be the moment when yin and yang energy are balanced. Therefore, there is a custom of taboo quarrels in some places. It is believed that quarrels on this day may lead to family discord and disrupt the harmonious atmosphere, so they will try to maintain harmony and avoid quarrels and conflicts.
These taboos reflect the pursuit of peace, harmony, and happiness in Chinese culture. By following these traditional rules, people hope to be able to avoid unfavorable things from happening, maintain family harmony and health, and welcome the new year.
In conclusion, the winter solstice is an important solar term full of traditions and cultural connotations, and people celebrate this day through dietary taboos and lifestyle habits, and pass on long-standing customs. Although modern lifestyles have changed a lot, these traditions of the winter solstice still maintain a special place in Chinese society, reflecting the value of health, happiness and harmony. It is hoped that by understanding these customs, you can better understand and respect the uniqueness of Chinese culture. If you would like to share your own winter solstice customs or have any questions, please feel free to leave a message in the comment section and we will be happy to hear your insights and experiences. Happy Winter Solstice!