The winter solstice, one of the 24 solar terms in China, usually occurs on December 21 or 22 of each year in the Gregorian calendar. In traditional Chinese culture, the winter solstice has a very important position and is considered an important festival, so it is also said that "the winter solstice is as big as a year". So, why is there such a statement?
First of all, the winter solstice is one of the traditional Chinese solar terms, and the traditional Chinese solar terms are closely related to farming life. The winter solstice is the beginning of winter, marking the official arrival of the cold winter and the time of the year when farming is slack. At this time, people will put down their work and go home to rest, enjoying the fruits of the harvest and the warmth of their families. Therefore, the winter solstice has a very important place in traditional Chinese culture.
Secondly, the winter solstice was a sacrificial festival in ancient China. In ancient times, it was believed that the winter solstice was a mystical time, when yang energy rises and yin energy falls, so rituals are performed to pray for a good harvest and peace in the coming year. This ritual practice still exists in some parts of modern China.
In addition, the winter solstice is also a festival for family reunions. On the day of the winter solstice, families come together to make food, taste delicious food, exchange feelings and celebrate this important holiday together. This is one of the reasons why the winter solstice is called "as big as the year".
The reason why the winter solstice is called "big as the year" is because of its important position in farming culture, the tradition of ancient sacrifices, and the significance of family reunions. In modern society, although the way people celebrate the winter solstice may have changed, this festival is still an important cultural tradition that deserves to be inherited and carried forward.