Winter Solstice (Dongzhi Festival) in China

author: YITECH--Josie

2024-12-21

Wishing you a blessed winter solstice filled with love, light, and warmth.

Ancient China did pay great attention to this holiday, regarding it as a big event. There was the saying that "Winter solstice holiday is greater than the spring festival".

I. The time of Winter solstice

Winter solstice, one of the twenty-four solar terms, is a traditional festival of the Chinese nation. It starts when the sun reaches 270° of the ecliptic, usually around December 22nd of the Gregorian calendar. Winter solstice is the twenty-second solar term of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms, expressed as "Winter Solstice" in English. On the day of winter solstice, the sun almost directly shines on the Tropic of Capricorn, and the Northern Hemisphere will experience the shortest day and the longest night of the year.

2. Winter solstice farming culture

After this day, many places in China go through the coldest period, which is called in Chinese, “Shu Jiu”. In total, there are nine periods with nine days for each. In the first and second nine days, people keep their hands in pockets; in the third and fourth nine days, people can walk on ice; in the fifth and sixth nice days, people can see willows along the river bank; in the seventh and eighth nine days, the swallow comes back and in the ninth nine days, the yak starts working.

3. Winter solstice related customs

(1). Winter Solstice Festival

As early as Zhou Dynasty, people worshipped the gods on the day of the Winter Solstice, which was also the first day of the new year. The Winter Solstice became a winter festival in Han Dynasty. The celebratory activities were officially organized. On this day, both officials and common people would have a rest.

(2). Eat dumplings

During Winter Solstice in North China, eating dumplings is essential to the festival. There is a saying that goes "Have dumplings on the day of Winter Solstice and noodles on the day of Summer Solstice."

(3). Glutinous Rice Ball

In many places, people eat tangyuan, a kind of stuffed small dumpling ball made of glutinous rice flour to celebrate Winter Solstice.

4. Why do Chinese people attach importance to Winter Solstice

The origins of this festival can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this celebration, there will be days with longer daylight hours and therefore an increase in positive energy flowing in.

Come with us, enjoy a warmth, love, happy Winter Solstice!

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