The origins of the meaning and customs of the Winter Solstice are as follows:

Origin: During the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, the 24 solar terms were used to guide the farming calendar, and the average time method was used to divide the solar terms. The date between the next Winter Solstice and the next Winter Solstice is called the Zhong Qi, and the Zhong Qi is further divided into 24 solar terms, of which the Winter Solstice is just one.

Customs: Most families in the north will choose to eat dumplings to keep out the cold and express their gratitude to the medical sage Zhang Zhongjing. A few families will also choose to eat wontons, which are meant to regulate yin and yang. It is a custom in the south to eat glutinous rice balls during the winter solstice. Eating glutinous rice balls also means wishing for the eternal reunion of relatives.

The meaning of the winter solstice

The winter solstice is known as the "southern solstice". On the winter solstice, the sun travels southward to the extreme, and the sun's rays directly shine on the Tropic of Capricorn. From the winter solstice onwards, the sun's direct point moves northward Returning, the winter solstice is the turning point of "the day travels to the south and returns to the north". After that, the height of the sun rises and the day length increases day by day in various parts of the northern hemisphere.

The winter solstice marks the rebirth of the sun and the return of the sun to a new cycle. The winter solstice is an auspicious day. For example, the "Book of Han" says: "The Yang Qi rises during the winter solstice, and the king is blessed, so I congratulate you." After the winter solstice, the days are getting longer day by day, which is the beginning of a cycle of going back and forth from the direct sun point.