Eat jiaozi or freeze your ears on the solstice in winter.

Eat jiaozi or freeze your ears on the solstice in winter.

In China, the winter solstice is an important solar term, and people will eat jiaozi on this day, which is a traditional custom with a long history. On the solstice of winter, the whole family gets together, making jiaozi, cooking jiaozi and eating jiaozi, which means reunion and blessing. In addition, there is a folk proverb "If you don't eat jiaozi on the solstice in winter, your ears will freeze", which is actually a humorous saying to remind people to keep warm and not to be frostbitten.

Apart from China, all parts of the world also have their own unique winter solstice traditions. For example, in the Nordic countries, the winter solstice is also an important festival, and people will carry out various celebrations, such as Christmas and New Year. In countries in the southern hemisphere, the winter solstice is celebrated in summer, and people will have various outdoor activities, such as picnics and swimming.

The meaning of winter solstice

The meaning of winter solstice is first reflected in its guiding role in agricultural production. In ancient China, agricultural production was highly dependent on seasonal changes. The winter solstice marks the official arrival of winter and reminds people to prepare for the coming cold season. People need to store food and strengthen warm-keeping facilities to ensure the safety and warmth of their homes.

Secondly, the solstice in winter is a symbol of family reunion. In ancient times, the winter solstice was regarded as an important festival, juxtaposed with the Spring Festival. People will leave their jobs and go home to reunite with their families, enjoy delicious food and exchange feelings. This custom continues in modern society, and many people who work outside the home will go home to spend the holidays with their families from the winter solstice.