When does the winter solstice begin?

The winter solstice begins on September 19. The so-called "September 19th" is actually the first "nine days" in cold weather. The ancients divided the whole winter into nine "nine days" with nine days as a cycle from winter to Sunday. When nine nine days have passed, it means that spring has arrived.

Winter solstice is the fourth solar term in winter and the 24th solar term in a year. Starting from beginning of winter, it only represents the arrival of winter, but it will not really cool down until the winter solstice.

When did the custom of counting nine begin? At present, there are no specific records of cultural relics, but what is certain is that the custom of counting nine has appeared since the Southern and Northern Dynasties.