What is the meaning and explanation of the winter solstice?

The explanation and meaning of the winter solstice are as follows:

I. Interpretation

The winter solstice is known as the "southern solstice", which profoundly reflects the law of direct sunlight movement. On the solstice of winter, the sun moves south to the southernmost orbit, and its light shines directly on the tropic of Capricorn, which symbolizes the turning point when the direct point of the sun begins to return to the north. Since then, the direct point of the sun has gradually moved northward, indicating the beginning of a new cycle.

Second, the significance

"Han Shu" records: "The sun is the spirit on the winter solstice, and the monarch is long, so congratulations." This sentence profoundly reveals the meaning of the winter solstice. This day is not only a turning point for the return of the direct point of the sun, but also a time for people to celebrate and pray. On this day, people express their good expectations for the future and pray for family safety and harvest.

Third, astronomical calendar.

In the ancient astronomical calendar, the winter solstice is of great significance. It is regarded as the starting point of winter and the cycle point of solar terms, and it is also the key node to calculate the return year and determine the four seasons. In the process of observing and determining the solar terms from winter solstice, the ancients used many methods, such as "fighting arch method" and "standard table drawing method"

On the custom of winter solstice

1, ancestor worship

On the solstice of winter, many places have the custom of offering sacrifices to ancestors. People will worship their ancestors at home or in ancestral temples to show their respect and nostalgia for their ancestors.

Step 2 eat glutinous rice balls

In the south of the Yangtze River, there is a custom of eating glutinous rice balls on the solstice in winter. Tangyuan is a round dessert made of glutinous rice flour. "Round" means "reunion" and "perfection", and eating glutinous rice balls in winter solstice is also called "winter solstice group". People think that eating glutinous rice balls can drive away the cold and bring warmth.

Step 3 Eat jiaozi

In the north, there is a custom of eating jiaozi from the solstice in winter. People think that eating jiaozi on the solstice in winter won't freeze your ears. jiaozi is shaped like an ingot, which means you will make a fortune.

Step 4 eat red bean rice

In Jiangnan area, there is a custom of eating red bean rice from winter to Sunday. People think that red beans can drive away the cold and warm the body, and eating red bean rice can strengthen the body against the cold.

5. Mutton hotpot

In Sichuan, Chongqing and other places, there is a custom of eating mutton hot pot from winter to Sunday. People think that mutton can drive away the cold and replenish the body, and eating mutton hot pot can warm the body against the cold.

Step 6 send shoes and socks

In some areas, it is a custom to send shoes and socks during the winter solstice. People will send shoes and socks to relatives, friends or elders, which means warm winter.

7. Nine-layer cake

In Taiwan Province Province, there is a custom of eating nine-layer cakes on the solstice in winter. Nine-layer cake is a kind of cake made of glutinous rice flour, which means to be the first.