China's 24 solar terms: Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice is the 22nd of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. This year, the Winter Solstice falls on Dec. 22. This is one of the most important solar cycles, which also marks the arrival of the coldest season of the year.

The tropic of Capricorn is directly under the sun on this day, so it is the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. After the Winter Solstice, the days start to become longer.

Winter Solstice customs

Eating dumplings and tangyuan

Dumplings are an essential dish for people in northern China. According to legend, eating dumplings will help prevent frostbitten ears, thanks to the dumpling's similar shape.

Eating tangyuan is common in southern China. Tangyuan is offered as a sacrifice to ancestors and can be given as a gift to relatives and friends, as the dish is said to represent reunion.

Eating a bowl of wontons is customary in the north during this solar term. It's said that "the shape of the wonton is like a chicken egg, similar to the chaos of heaven and earth, so it is a common dish on the winter solstice."

Eating mutton and vermicelli soup

In Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui autonomous region, people call the Winter Solstice the "Ghost Festival". On that day, it is customary for people to drink mutton and vermicelli soup and eat the dumplings in the soup.

Staying warm

The crucial thing during the days of Winter Solstice is to keep away from cold. We should wear more clothes, pay attention to cold prevention and stay warm, and try to reduce unnecessary outdoor activities. If you go out, you should pay special attention to keeping your head and feet warm. You'd better wear a hat, mask and gloves to avoid the cold and to prevent frostbite.