Why eat dumplings at the beginning of winter? The custom of eating dumplings at the beginning of winter. This past Sunday was the beginning of winter, the 24th solar term. Have you eaten dumplings at home? Do you know why you eat dumplings at the beginning of winter? Beginning of Winter, Beginning of Spring, Beginning of Summer, and Beginning of Autumn are collectively known as the Four Lis. It was an important festival in ancient society. On this day, the emperor would lead hundreds of civil and military officials to set up an altar in the northern suburbs of the capital to offer sacrifices. Nowadays, people also celebrate on the Beginning of Winter. Our country used to be a farming society. People who had worked for a year took advantage of the beginning of winter to take a break and reward their families for their hard work over the past year. There is a proverb, "The beginning of winter makes up for the winter, and makes up for the empty mouth" is the best metaphor.

In ancient times, on this day, the emperor would go out to the countryside to welcome the winter, and he would also give winter clothes to his ministers and show sympathy for the orphans and widows. Later generations were much the same. "Lu's Spring and Autumn Period. Mengdong": "It is the month that marks the beginning of winter. Three days after the beginning of winter, Taishi paid a visit to the emperor and said: 'On a certain day, winter begins, and virtue is in the water.' The emperor is fasting. On the day of the beginning of winter, the emperor personally leads the way. The officials of Sangong and Jiuqing went to the northern suburbs to welcome the winter, and they were rewarded for their death, and they expressed sympathy for the orphans and widows. "Gao Yuan noted: "The ancestors of the deceased kings were rewarded for their descendants, and those who were orphans and widows were treated with pity. "Jin Cui Bao's "Ancient and Modern Notes": "Emperor Han Wen of the Han Dynasty gave the benefactors and officials in the palace to wear coats on the first day of winter." Also, "Big hat Ben Yansou's wild clothes, Emperor Wen of Wei ordered all officials to always use the first day of winter. "Tongdai is called a warm hat." According to legend, this is recorded in ancient books.

1: If you don’t serve dumplings at the beginning of winter, your ears will freeze off and no one will care.

I believe many northern friends have heard of this old proverb, but southern friends may be a little confused about it. It's actually very simple. Take a closer look at the dumplings with curved sides and a round shape in the middle. Does it look a bit like an organ on our body? Yes, it's the ears. It is said that this kind of dumplings existed as early as the Three Kingdoms period, but the dumplings at that time were similar to today's wontons. After being cooked, they were mixed with soup in a bowl and eaten, so people at that time called dumplings "wontons". It was not until the Tang Dynasty that dumplings became what they are now. The original name of dumplings is said to be "Jiao Er", which was first invented by Zhang Zhongjing, a Chinese medical sage. The story of his "Quhan Jiao Er Soup" is still circulated among the people of our country.

According to legend, at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the "Medical Sage" Zhang Zhongjing served as the prefect of Changsha, but later resigned and returned to his hometown. Just in time for the winter solstice, he saw that the people in Nanyang were suffering from hunger and cold, and their ears were frostbitten. At that time, typhoid fever was prevalent and many people died of the disease, so Zhang Zhongjing summarized the clinical practice of more than 300 years in the Han Dynasty, built a medical shed locally, set up a large pot, simmered mutton, chili peppers and medicinal materials to dispel cold and improve heat, and wrapped them in dough. It is shaped like an ear and is given to the poor with soup and food after cooking. The common people ate it from the winter solstice to New Year's Eve, resisting typhoid fever and curing their frozen ears. From then on, the people in the village and later generations imitated the production and called it "dumplings" or "dumplings". In some places, they were also called "Bianshi" or "hot noodle dumplings".

Since then, the custom of eating dumplings during the Winter Solstice has been passed down. Firstly, it is to commemorate this great and famous doctor. Secondly, isn’t there an old saying, “You get what you eat”? The beginning of winter means the arrival of winter. When the weather gets cold in winter, ears can easily get frostbite if they are exposed to the outside. Therefore, eating dumplings that look like ears and patching up the ears is the most considerate way for family members to care for their loved ones. .

Two: Eating dumplings at the beginning of winter - the time of Jiaozi

I believe you will understand the source of the above once we explain it. But what does this "time of friendship" mean? Actually, the meaning of this statement is simpler. "Jiao" means alternation, handover, and exchange. Do you think, when do you usually eat these dumplings? Beginning of Winter and New Year's Eve are the time when the old and the new are handed over. New Year's Eve is the transition between the old year and the new year, and the Beginning of Winter is the transition between autumn and winter. Therefore, you must eat dumplings during the "crossing" period.

What are the customs of the beginning of winter in Guangzhou, Guangdong? The "beginning of winter" solar term falls on November 7 or 8 every year. In ancient my country, it was customary for the people to regard the beginning of winter as the beginning of winter. " said: "Li is the beginning of construction", and also said: "Winter is the end and the collection of all things." In fact, our country has a vast territory. Except for the South China coast where there is no winter all year round and the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau where there is no summer, all regions Winter is not always about Li...

The difference between winter solstice and Lidong is very different in time and climate customs. Lidong: Winter is the end, which means that crops should be stored after harvesting. Winter begins on this day.

Winter Solstice: The shadow of the sun is the longest. On this day, the northern hemisphere has the shortest half-day, the longest night, and begins to enter the coldest days.

Differences in customs:

To make up for the winter at the beginning of winter: dumplings, chicken, duck and fish, mutton stove, ginger duck

China used to be a farming society, and people worked for a year People in China use the day of Beginning of Winter to take a rest and reward their family for their hard work over the past year. There is a proverb, "The beginning of winter makes up for the winter, and makes up for the empty mouth" is the best metaphor.

People in northern China, especially Beijing and Tianjin, love to eat dumplings. Because dumplings come from the saying "Jiaozi Shi". New Year's Eve is the turn of the old year and the new year, and the Beginning of Winter is the turn of autumn and winter, so dumplings are a must-eat at this time. In the south, people like to eat chicken, duck and fish at the beginning of winter. On the day of the Beginning of Winter in Taiwan, winter tonic restaurants such as "Mutton Stove" and "Ginger Duck" on the streets are full of customers.

Many families also stew sesame oil chicken and Siwu chicken to replenish energy.

Winter Solstice supplements: dumplings, red bean glutinous rice, nine-layer cake, winter festival balls

Different places have different customs during the Winter Solstice, but most places have the custom of eating dumplings during the Winter Solstice. In the Jiangnan water town, on the night of the winter solstice, the whole family gathers together to eat red bean and glutinous rice. In Taiwan, the tradition of using nine-layer cakes to worship ancestors during the Winter Solstice is still preserved, while in Chaoshan, Guangdong, there is a custom of eating winter festival balls.

What is the custom to eat at the beginning of winter? The food customs at the beginning of winter are very different between the north and the south. The typical representative of the customs at the beginning of winter in the north is dumplings, while in the south most people eat meat at the beginning of winter, such as mutton, beef, seafood, etc. Very rich! The Lidong solar term has the meaning of autumn harvest and winter storage. In the past, the day of Lidong was used to take a rest and reward the family for their hard work over the past year. This tradition is still preserved to this day.

In southern my country, people like to eat chicken, duck and fish at the beginning of winter.

In southern my country, people like to eat chicken, duck and fish at the beginning of winter. On the day of beginning of winter in Taiwan, 'mutton stoves' are sold on the streets. , 'Ginger Duck' and other winter tonic restaurants were packed with guests. Many families also stew sesame oil chicken and Siwu chicken to replenish energy. In southern my country, people like to eat chicken, duck and fish at the beginning of winter. On the day of the Beginning of Winter in Taiwan, winter tonic restaurants such as ‘Mutton Stove’ and ‘Ginger Duck’ are packed with customers. Many families also stew sesame oil chicken and Siwu chicken to replenish energy.

In many cities in the south, people eat chicken, duck, and fish at the beginning of winter. Because the weather is getting colder, people need to add more energy, and meat is rich in protein, so eating meat is considered the best choice. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that it is suitable to eat warm meat, such as dog meat, beef, chicken, mutton, shrimp, etc., for tonic at the beginning of winter.

People in northern my country, especially Beijing and Tianjin, love to eat dumplings.

People in northern my country, especially Beijing and Tianjin, love to eat dumplings, because dumplings come from the saying "Jiaozi Shi". New Year's Eve is the turn of the old year and the new year, and the Beginning of Winter is the turn of autumn and winter, so dumplings are a must-eat at this time. Nowadays, people have gradually restored this ancient custom. On the day of the Beginning of Winter, all kinds of dumplings are sold very well. In the "Old Tianjin Wei" settlement of Hedong and Shuixi in my country, there is a custom of eating Japanese melon dumplings at the beginning of winter. Japanese melon, also known as melon, pumpkin, rice melon and pumpkin, is a common vegetable in the north. Generally, Japanese melons are bought in the summer and stored in the hut or on the windowsill. After a long period of saccharification, they are made into dumpling fillings on the winter solstice. The taste is different from Chinese cabbage and different from summer Japanese melon fillings, and vinegar is added. Eating garlic has a unique taste.

An old Beijinger said: "It is the beginning of winter to make up for the winter, not to make up for the empty mouth." The rule at the beginning of winter is to eat dumplings. There is a saying of "eating dumplings in the north and eating duck in the south". Because the dumplings look like ears, people think If you eat it, your ears will not be frozen in winter. It is said that "if you don't bring dumpling bowls at the beginning of winter, no one will care if your ears are frozen", but this is a joke and is only popular among the people. According to the rules, you should eat "Japanese melon" on this day. stuffed dumplings.

On the Beginning of Winter in the South, chicken, duck, and fish are the main meals. While getting high-quality protein and other nutrients, you also eat a lot of fat. Therefore, it is recommended to use more methods of steaming, boiling, and stewing, and less use of frying and frying to control fat intake. In addition, it should be paired with a variety of vegetables, and staple food cannot be ignored. Eat reasonably, take supplements appropriately, and excess is never enough.

The Beginning of Winter diets in the north and the south are so different. Which way of eating is better? In fact, this dietary custom itself is not good or bad. The key depends on whether the nutritional combination is reasonable. Let’s talk about the dumplings in the north first. They may seem monotonous, but they contain hidden nutritional secrets. Although the dumplings are small, it is easy to achieve food variety. Dumpling wrappers are cereals, and dumpling fillings can be meat or vegetable, or a combination of meat and vegetable. Many people like to eat dumplings with a bunch of meatballs, which taste delicious.

What is the other name for the Beginning of Winter? At the beginning of the season, some places may not have experienced the severe cold winter at the beginning of winter, but it is only slightly colder, but it will gradually change from cool to cold. So do you know the time, origin and customs of Beginning of Winter?

Time for the Beginning of Winter

The time for the Beginning of Winter this year is: November 7, 2016, the eighth day of the tenth lunar month.

The origin of Beginning of Winter

1. The meaning of Beginning of Winter: to collect all things and avoid the cold

The Beginning of Winter is the 19th solar term among the 24 solar terms. In ancient my country, it was customary for Chinese people to regard the beginning of winter as the beginning of winter. "The Collection of the Seventy-Two Hours of the Moon Order" says: "Li" is the beginning of the establishment, and it also says: "Winter" is the end and the collection of all things. This means that all autumn crops have been harvested and stored in storage, and animals have been hidden for hibernation. It seems that the beginning of winter not only represents the coming of winter. To put it completely, the beginning of winter means the beginning of winter, the collection of all things, and the avoidance of the cold.

The meaning of the word winter in Chinese is extremely wonderful. Firstly, it has the same pronunciation as freezing. When people hear the sound of winter, they will think of the biting north wind and cold frost and snow; secondly, it means nothing. The word "end" means that the silk can be used to keep out the cold, which means that the activities of all things in the world tend to stop and prepare to hibernate for the winter. The time of year when people can harvest or work hard should also be over. It is time to collect, make up for the winter and recharge their batteries to wait for spring.

2. The three periods of the Beginning of Winter: the water begins to freeze, the ground begins to freeze, and pheasants entering the flood water turn into mirages

In ancient my country, three periods were determined every 5 days after the Beginning of Winter: the first period The water begins to freeze, the ground begins to freeze in the second period, and the pheasant enters the flood water and becomes a mirage in the third period. During this solar term, the water has already turned into ice; the land has also begun to freeze; pheasants entering the water during the third lunar month will become mirages. It is common, but on the beach you can see large clams whose shells have similar lines and colors to those of pheasants. Therefore, the ancients believed that pheasants turned into giant clams after the beginning of winter.

Take dietary supplements at the beginning of winter to replenish energy to withstand the severe cold of winter.

Customs of the Beginning of Winter

1. Supplementing the winter

With the arrival of the Beginning of Winter solar term, vegetation withers and insects hide, and the activities of all things tend to cease and enter a state of hibernation. , recharge your batteries and prepare for the coming spring. Although there is no theory of hibernation among humans, there is a folk custom of beginning winter to make up for the winter.

People should take food supplements during this optimal period to replenish their energy to withstand the severe cold of winter. In winter, you should eat less raw and cold food, especially excessive supplements. Most people can eat some foods with higher calories, especially in the north. They can eat some beef and mutton, but they should also eat more fresh vegetables. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins and easy to digest.

2. Winter swimming

Interestingly, the way to celebrate the beginning of winter has also been innovative. In Harbin, on the day of the beginning of winter, athletes from the Heilongjiang Winter Swimming Association crossed the Songhua River in this way. Way to welcome the coming of winter. Winter swimming across the country can be divided into four levels: the temperature is 17°C as the starting point for winter swimming; the water temperature is 8°C as the coldness mark for winter swimming. Water temperatures below 17°C give people a cold feeling, and water temperatures below 8°C give people a feeling of cold, numbness, and strong cold ***.

3. Eating red bean and glutinous rice

In the Jiangnan water towns, there is a custom of the whole family gathering together to eat red bean and glutinous rice on the night of the Beginning of Winter. According to legend, there was a man named Mr. Gong whose son was not successful and committed many evil deeds. He died on the winter solstice. After his death, he turned into a plague ghost and continued to harm the people. However, this plague ghost is most afraid of red beans, so people cook and eat red bean rice on the winter solstice to ward off plague ghosts and prevent disasters and diseases.

4. Burning incense

The Manchu people have the custom of burning incense. At the beginning of winter, as soon as the autumn grain is stored in the warehouse, this season is an active season for people of the Eight Banners of the Manchu and Eight Banners of the Han Army to burn incense and worship their ancestors. The sacrifices held by the Eight Banners of the Han Dynasty were called Burning Flags and Incense to the Tiger God, while the sacrifices held by the Eight Banners of the Manchu Banners were called Burning Meat Incense. Meat incense is burned for 5-7 days. During the first three days of the ancestor worship ceremony, the whole family eats vegetarian food for ten consecutive days and does not eat meat or fish.

5. Drink mutton soup

In Tengzhou, Shandong Province, there is a custom of drinking mutton soup during the beginning of winter. In cold weather, drinking a steaming bowl of mutton soup is definitely a pleasure. Moreover, mutton also contains a large amount of fat and protein as well as rich calories, which is excellent in keeping out the cold.

6. Eating dog meat

The custom of eating dog meat during the Winter Solstice is said to have started in the Han Dynasty. (It is recommended not to eat dog meat~dogs are man’s best companions) According to legend, Liu Bang, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, ate dog meat cooked by Fan Kuai on the winter solstice. He thought it tasted particularly delicious and was full of praise. Since then, the folk custom of eating dog meat during the winter solstice has been formed. Nowadays, people eat dog meat, mutton and various nutritious foods on the day of the winter solstice in order to have a good omen in the coming year. Excerpted from the Chinese Folk Culture Network... >>

What to eat at the beginning of winter in the south? What are the customs at the beginning of winter in the south? In southern China, people like to eat chicken, duck and fish at the beginning of winter. On the day of the beginning of winter in Taiwan, 'mutton ovens' are served on the streets. , 'Ginger Duck' and other winter tonic restaurants were packed with guests. Many families also stew sesame oil chicken and Siwu chicken to replenish energy.

Chicken has a high protein content, many types, and high digestibility. It is easily absorbed and utilized by the human body and has the effect of enhancing physical strength and strengthening the body. In addition, it contains phospholipids that play an important role in human growth and development. It is one of the important sources of fat and phospholipids in the Chinese dietary structure. Chicken is suitable for a variety of cooking methods, is rich in nutrients, and has a nourishing and body-building effect. Chicken is not only suitable for stir-frying and stewing, but it is also a meat that is more suitable for cold eating. But avoid eating too much chicken wings and other chicken foods to avoid obesity.

Duck is an excellent delicacy on the table and an excellent food for people to take. The nutritional value of duck meat is similar to that of chicken. However, according to traditional Chinese medicine, most of the food ducks eat is aquatic, so their meat is sweet and cold in taste. It enters the lung, stomach and kidney meridian and has the functions of nourishing, nourishing the stomach, tonifying the kidneys, removing tuberculosis, bone steaming, eliminating edema, and relieving dysentery. , relieving cough and reducing phlegm. Duck meat is suitable for people with heat in the body. It is more beneficial for people with weak constitution, loss of appetite, fever, dry stool and edema. There is also a folk legend that duck is the "holy medicine" for tuberculosis patients. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records: Duck meat "mainly replenishes deficiency and fatigue, is the most disinfectant of heat, facilitates urination, removes edema, relieves distension and fullness, benefits internal organs, reduces sores and swelling, and calms epilepsy."

Fish There are many types. The main edible freshwater fish include carp, grass carp, crucian carp, mandarin fish, etc., and the saltwater fish include yellow croaker, hairtail fish, flat fish, etc. They all have the characteristics of tender and delicious meat and rich nutrition. They are a good source of some vitamins and minerals. Eating fish regularly also has the effects of nourishing the liver and blood, nourishing the skin and nourishing the hair.

Although humans do not hibernate, there is a folk custom of beginning winter to make up for the winter. During this optimal period of nourishment, people should take food supplements to replenish their vitality to withstand the severe cold of winter. In winter, you should eat less raw and cold food, especially excessive supplements. Most people can eat some foods with higher calories, especially in the north. They can eat some beef and mutton, but they should also eat more fresh vegetables. Eat foods that are rich in vitamins and easy to digest.

Are there any folk customs that can lead to happy events on the day before the beginning of winter? The days before the winter solstice, summer solstice, spring equinox, and autumnal equinox are collectively called the "Four Lis"; the days before the beginning of spring, the beginning of summer, the beginning of autumn, and the beginning of winter are collectively called the "four wonders ". In the old days, astrologers considered it the anniversary of death. Qing Yunlu et al.'s "Xie Ji Bian Fang Shu? Four Examples of Meanings? Four Lis and Four Jue": "The Jade Gate Sutra says: 'Li, the yin and yang are divided into the previous chen. It means that the yang qi comes out of the yin qi in the month of Jianmao. In the month of Jianzi, the yin energy falls and the yang energy rises. In the month of Jianyou, the yin energy comes out and the yang energy rises. Therefore, the first day is the fourth Li Chen. Cao Zhengui said: "The four separations are water separation on the day before the winter solstice, fire separation on the day before the summer solstice, yang separation on the day before the spring equinox and wood separation, and yin separation on the day before the autumnal equinox." It is also called Sili. "The Jade Gate Sutra" says: "The four must be one hour before the four are established." Li Dingzuo said: "It is forbidden to go out on a long journey on this day." Cao Zhengui said: "The trees are strong in the beginning of spring." At the beginning of summer, fire is strong and wood is strong, and at the beginning of autumn, gold is strong, and earth is strong, and at the beginning of winter, water is strong and metal is strong. Therefore, the first day is the best day.'" Generally speaking, people do not choose this day to hold happy events.

What are the customs of the beginning of winter in Deqing? The customs of welcoming winter in Deqing, Zhejiang

In feudal society, the court would hold a ceremony to welcome winter in the countryside, reward the ministers with winter clothes, and support the orphans and widows.

There is a record in "Lu's Spring and Autumn Period? Mengdong": "It is the month that marks the beginning of winter. Three days before the beginning of winter, the emperor became thirsty. He said: 'On a certain day, winter begins, and virtue is in the water.' The emperor Nai Zhai. On the day of the beginning of winter, the emperor personally led the three gongs and nine ministers to welcome the winter in the northern suburbs. After returning, the emperor will give a large reward to stabilize the society and provide compensation for the orphans and widows.

Worshiping the God of Winter

?In ancient times, at the beginning of winter, the emperor would wear black clothes, ride an iron-colored horse, and take all the civil and military officials to the northern suburbs to worship the God of Winter. The name of the winter god is Yu Qiang, and his courtesy name is Xuanming. "The Classic of Mountains and Seas" says that he lived on an island in the North Sea and had a strange appearance: a human face and a bird's body, two green snakes hanging from his ears, and two flying red snakes on his feet. The scene of worshiping the winter god is very grand. "Historical Records" records that in the Han Dynasty, 70 boys and girls would sing the song "Xuan Ming" together: "Xuan Ming mausoleum is yin, and the cover of insects is reduced... When the Ji is gathered, Jia Yi is covered up." It means. He said, "It's getting cold, so we need to store food." Harvest in autumn and store in winter.

Eating dumplings

Why eat dumplings at the beginning of winter? Because dumplings come from the saying "Jiaozi time". New Year's Eve is the turn of the old year and the new year, and the Beginning of Winter is the turn of autumn and winter, so dumplings are a must-eat at this time. Nowadays, people have gradually restored this ancient custom. On the day of the Beginning of Winter, all kinds of dumplings are sold very well.

What are the winter customs in Quzhou, Zhejiang? What are the winter customs in Quzhou, Zhejiang 1. Eating dumplings

The original name of dumplings is said to be "Jiao Er", which was first invented by Zhang Zhongjing, the Chinese medical sage. . The story of his "Quhan Jiao Er Soup" is still circulated among the people of our country. "If you don't bring dumpling bowls at the beginning of winter, no one will care if your ears are frozen." The beginning of winter means the arrival of winter. When the weather is cold, ears are easily frostbitten when exposed to the outside. Therefore, eat some dumplings that look like ears to replenish your health. Ears, this is the most considerate care family members have for their loved ones.

Why eat dumplings at the beginning of winter? Because dumplings come from the saying "Jiaozi Shi". New Year's Eve is the turn of the old year and the new year, and Beginning of Winter is the turn of autumn and winter, so dumplings at the "Jiaozi Time" cannot be ignored. Modern people continue this ancient custom. On the day of the Beginning of Winter, all kinds of dumplings are sold very well.

"Dumplings are not as delicious as dumplings." Dumplings are of course the most indispensable delicacy at the turn of autumn and winter. There is a custom of eating Japanese melon dumplings at the beginning of winter. Japanese melon, also known as melon, pumpkin, rice melon and pumpkin, is a common vegetable in the north. Generally, Japanese melons are bought in the summer and stored in the hut or on the windowsill. After a long period of saccharification, they are made into dumpling fillings on the winter solstice. The taste is different from Chinese cabbage and different from summer Japanese melon fillings, and vinegar is added Eating garlic has a special taste.

2. Hedong

Hedong is also called "Worship the winter", and this custom existed in the Han Dynasty. Cui Ding of the Eastern Han Dynasty wrote in the "Four People's Monthly Orders": "On the day of the winter solstice, we have wine and food to pay homage to the king, teachers and elders, just like the official day." On this day in the Song Dynasty, people changed new clothes and celebrated exchanges, just like the New Year. In the Qing Dynasty, "the solstice was the winter solstice, and the families of the scholar-bureaucrats paid homage to their elders and paid homage to each other. Men and women of the lower classes also wore fresh clothes to bow to each other, which was called winter worship." (See Volume 11 of Gu Lu's "Qing Jia Lu").

Since the Republic of China, the traditional customs of celebrating winter seem to be simplifying. But some activities have gradually become fixed, stylized, and more universal.

3. Worship ancestors and heaven

In the old days, on the day of Beginning of Winter, people would also hold activities to worship ancestors and heaven.

Even the busiest farmers have to rest at home for a day, kill chickens and sheep, and prepare seasonal delicacies. On the one hand, they offer sacrifices to their ancestors to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities as descendants; on the other hand, they offer sacrifices to the sky, thank God for the good harvest, and pray for God's blessings. To bring good weather and good weather in the coming year; and the food and wine after the sacrificial ceremony can also allow farmers to reward themselves after a hard year's work.

4. Make up for winter

After the beginning of winter, it means that this year’s winter has officially arrived. Grass and trees wither, stinging insects go dormant, and the activities of all things tend to cease. Although there is no theory of hibernation among humans, there is a folk custom of beginning winter to make up for the winter. In the south, people will eat foods that nourish yin and yang and have high calories, such as chicken, duck, fish, etc. Some of them will be boiled with Chinese medicine to increase the efficacy of the medicine. The Chinese medicines are Angelica sinensis, Chuanxiong rhizome, peony root, and rehmannia root. medicine.

It is an old tradition for Suzhou people to celebrate the Beginning of Winter by eating nourishing paste during winter. In the old days, some wealthy families also used red ginseng, longan, and walnut meat to make soup and drink it in winter, which had the effect of replenishing qi, activating blood circulation, and supporting yang. Usually every time during the Beginning of Winter solar term, some hospitals and some time-honored pharmacies will open special tonic clinics to prepare plasters for the public and sell winter nourishing health products.

Experts remind that tonic in winter should be "warm tonic" and not "cold". Not all alkaline foods are suitable for tonic in winter. You should eat more warm or neutral foods. Vegetables such as yams, onions, pumpkins, kohlrabi, black fungus, shepherd's purse, sweet potatoes, potatoes, taro, etc. Fruits such as hawthorn, pomegranate, papaya, longan, orange, lemon, etc. Nuts such as chestnuts, almonds, walnuts, etc. Beverages such as: coffee, milk, soy milk, etc.

5. Apprenticeship

In winter, many villages hold apprenticeship activities, which is the season for students to pay homage to their teachers. After winter comes, the school directors (school administrators) of urban and rural schools lead parents and students, carry a plate (four dishes, a pot of wine, and a wine glass), and carry fruits and snacks to the school to express their condolences. Teacher is called "apprentice".

Some teachers, on the day of Beginning of Winter or Winter Solstice, hold a banquet to entertain the students who come to study as a teacher. Hang a statue of Confucius in the courtyard and write "Great is Confucius, the most holy teacher". The students bowed in front of the statue of Confucius and chanted: "Confucius, Confucius, great Confucius! There was no Confucius before Confucius, but who will be like Confucius after Confucius!" Then the students greeted the teacher. After the ceremony, the students split up to make some things in the teacher's home. Housework.

6. Winter School

Winter has the longest night, and it is also the slack season. This is the best time to hold "winter school". Non-formal education in winter school has various characteristics: such as "literacy classes", which recruit adult men and women, with the purpose of literacy; "training classes" recruit people with certain expertise, conduct professional knowledge training and cultivate talents; "general study classes" mainly Improve culture and popularize scientific and technological knowledge.

Winter schools are mostly located in temples or public buildings...>>