Today is December 22nd, and we have ushered in the most important time of the year, the winter solstice. In traditional Chinese culture, the winter solstice is regarded as one of the 24 solar terms, and it is the beginning of the peak of yin and yang.
In ancient Chinese astronomy, the winter solstice is the moment when sunlight shines directly on the Tropic of Cancer on the earth, and on this day, the northern hemisphere receives the least sunlight, the shortest days, and the longest nights. Since then, the point of direct sunlight has gradually moved northward, and the number of hours of sunshine has gradually increased. Therefore, in the eyes of the ancients, the "winter solstice" not only means the arrival of cold, but also indicates that warmth is about to return.
The winter solstice, which occupies an important position in the traditional Chinese 24 solar terms, is not only an astronomical phenomenon, but also a cultural symbol deeply rooted in people's hearts. As the saying goes: "The winter solstice is at the head of the moon, and graves are everywhere", this sentence shows a major feature of the winter solstice season - the cold is pressing, and all things are collected.
On this special day, the ancients had a saying that "the winter solstice is at the head of the moon, and graves are everywhere", what is going on?Let's find out.
First, let's decipher the well-known proverb. "The winter solstice is at the head of the month" refers to the day of the winter solstice that occurs at the beginning of the month, that is, the head of the moon (the first to the tenth day of the lunar calendar).
We all know that in the past, people died and were buried, and an old person was buried in a grave, and there are graves everywhere here, indicating that many people left during this time. The deeper meaning is that there was an extreme cold weather, and many people died because they couldn't stand the cold. Of course, this is an exaggeration, but it also shows that the weather is really cold during this time.
The winter solstice is at the head of the moon, and graves are everywhere" that means that if the winter solstice occurs at the head of the winter moon, then the following winter will be colder.
Today is the winter solstice, and in folk tradition, the winter solstice is rich in customs and activities. For example, there is a habit of eating dumplings in the north and glutinous rice balls in the south. It is believed that eating hot food on this day can help ward off the cold and symbolize reunion and a good life.
Are you eating dumplings or glutinous rice balls on the winter solstice today?Welcome to leave a message in the comment area to share.