The Winter Solstice is the 22nd solar term of the 24 solar terms and the fourth solar term in winter. It usually occurs on December 21st, 22nd or 23rd each year. Here is more detailed information about it:
On the Winter Solstice, the sun reaches the celestial longitude of 270 degrees. In the Northern Hemisphere, it is the day with the shortest daytime and the longest nighttime of the year because the sun shines directly on the Tropic of Capricorn. After this day, the sun gradually moves northward, and the daytime in the Northern Hemisphere starts to get longer.
The Winter Solstice marks the beginning of the cold season, known as "the coldest days of winter." In northern China, the average temperature is generally below 0°C, while in most southern regions, it is around 6°C to 8°C. In Northeast China, the land is often frozen, and in the Huang-Huai region, it is usually covered with snow.
The Winter Solstice has both natural and cultural connotations. It is not only an important solar term but also a traditional festival for ancestor worship in China. In ancient times, there was a saying that "the Winter Solstice is as significant as the Spring Festival." From the Zhou Dynasty, there were activities to sacrifice to the gods of heaven on the Winter Solstice.
- Eating Dumplings: In northern China, there is a custom of eating dumplings on the Winter Solstice. It is said that this custom originated from Zhang Zhongjing, a famous doctor in ancient times.
- Eating Tangyuan: In southern China, people usually eat tangyuan on this day. Tangyuan is made of glutinous rice flour and has the meaning of reunion.
- Counting Nine: Starting from the Winter Solstice, people begin to count nine, which is a way to record the progress of winter and look forward to the arrival of spring