What is the origin of the winter solstice festival?

The origin of the Winter Solstice Festival can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. At that time, people thought that the winter solstice was a natural transformation of yin and yang and a gift from heaven. In the Han Dynasty, on the solstice of winter, the government will hold a celebration ceremony called "Hedong", which is a routine festival.

The solstice in winter is different in different places. For example, there is a custom of eating jiaozi from winter solstice in northern China, which may have originated from the Eastern Han Dynasty. Xiongnu in the north often harassed the frontier, and the people were restless. Filled with meat, it is called "wonton" with the sound of "muddy" and "swallowing". Because wonton was originally made on the winter solstice, every family eats wonton on the winter solstice.

In addition, there is the custom of eating dog meat in winter solstice. It is said that this originated from the Han Dynasty. On the solstice of winter, Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang ate dog meat cooked by Fan Kuai, which was particularly delicious and full of praise. Since then, the custom of eating dog meat from winter solstice has been formed among the people.

Generally speaking, there are various ways and customs to celebrate the Winter Solstice Festival, which reflects China's profound cultural heritage and rich national characteristics.