The winter solstice has a long history in China and is regarded as an important solar term in the lunar calendar. It represents the longest day in winter, the longest night and the shortest day. As the sun reaches the lowest point in the northern hemisphere on this day, it also marks the beginning of the gradual increase of sunshine and the gradual extension of day and night time.
The winter solstice is rich in customs and celebrations in China. People will congratulate each other on the Happy Winter Solstice and hold various celebrations. One of the most famous customs is to eat glutinous rice balls. Tangyuan is a round cake made of glutinous rice, which symbolizes reunion and harmony. On the winter solstice, families will get together, taste glutinous rice balls and express their expectations and blessings for family reunion.
Besides eating glutinous rice balls, people will also carry out some other traditional activities. For example, in southern areas, people like to play the game of pushing needles. This is a traditional recreational activity. On the winter solstice, people will get together and compete with each other for skills and luck. In the north, people like to eat jiaozi. Jiaozi is a kind of flour product wrapped with various fillings, which symbolizes wealth and good luck. People believe that eating jiaozi can bring good luck and wealth in the New Year.
The winter solstice is also regarded as an important health preserving moment by some folk doctors. They believe that the human body's yang reached its lowest point on the winter solstice, and then began to increase gradually. Therefore, they suggest that people eat more food to replenish their bodies on the winter solstice and keep warm to help their bodies adjust.
Generally speaking, the winter solstice is a festival full of traditions and customs, representing the beginning of winter and the coming of the New Year. People express their expectations for reunion, harmony, good luck and health through celebrations. Whether eating glutinous rice balls, playing push-pin games or enjoying delicious food, the winter solstice is a happy moment, which makes people feel the warmth and happiness of their families and communities.
The following is a picture showing the celebration of the winter solstice: