The winter solstice is an ancient solar term, and it is the time when the sun reaches 270 degrees of the yellow meridian every year on the solar calendar1February 2 1 day or 22. In China, the winter solstice is regarded as one of the important traditional festivals and the beginning of winter. The meaning and implication of the winter solstice are very rich. First of all, the winter solstice marks the official start of winter. On this day, the night in the northern hemisphere is the longest and the day is the shortest, which is the coldest period of the year.
People in farming society will harvest crops on this day and prepare for winter. The maturity of crops and the end of life span, as well as the severe cold in winter, make people have a deeper understanding of the fragility of life and the ruthlessness of nature. Secondly, the winter solstice is also a symbol of reunion. The ancients said that "the winter solstice is over and the Spring Festival is coming". After the winter solstice, the days begin to get longer and longer, and people are looking forward to the arrival of spring.
Yearning for life
On the occasion of the winter solstice, every family will get together and enjoy a sumptuous meal to express their thoughts and blessings to their relatives and friends. This reunion atmosphere also reflects people's yearning for a harmonious and happy life. There is another implication of the winter solstice, that is, "the days will get better and better." After the winter solstice, although the weather is still cold, the days begin to grow gradually, which symbolizes people's hopes and longings for the future.
Whether in life or career, people hope to usher in better development and harvest in the new year, and the winter solstice has become a node symbolizing a new beginning. The winter solstice also has a unique traditional custom in China culture. In the south, there is a custom of eating dumplings, which symbolizes reunion and integrity. In the north, there is a custom of eating jiaozi. The shape of jiaozi is like an ancient silver ingot, which symbolizes wealth and good luck. In addition, people will collect wormwood and boil wormwood soup to drink, believing that this can drive away the cold and keep warm.