The custom origin of winter solstice festival

The winter solstice is one of the traditional festivals in China and an important solar term in the lunar calendar. The custom of winter solstice has a long history and rich cultural connotation. Below I will introduce some customs related to the winter solstice and their origins to you.

1. Eating glutinous rice balls: Eating glutinous rice balls on the solstice in winter is a traditional folk custom in China. Tangyuan is a round food made of glutinous rice flour, which symbolizes reunion and integrity. It is said that this custom originated in the Song Dynasty in the south, when people believed that eating glutinous rice balls in cold winter could avoid catching a cold. The following is a picture of delicious jiaozi:

2. Drinking hard liquor: In some places, it is customary to drink hard liquor during the winter solstice. People believe that drinking can drive away cold, keep warm and increase physical strength. Here is a picture of a wine glass:

3. Hanging wormwood and calamus: There are also customs of hanging wormwood and calamus in winter solstice. People put wormwood and calamus on doors or hang them in houses to ward off evil spirits and avoid disasters. Here are pictures of wormwood and calamus:

4. ancestor worship: the solstice festival in winter is also an important moment to worship ancestors. People will sort out the graves of their ancestors, burn incense and worship, and express their respect and thoughts for their ancestors. The following is a picture of ancestor worship:

5. Mass activities: In some places, the winter solstice festival also has the custom of holding mass activities, such as dragon and lion dances and solve riddles on the lanterns. These activities have increased the festive atmosphere of the festival and brought joy and entertainment to people. The following are pictures of dragon and lion dances:

The above is an introduction to the origin of the custom of celebrating the winter solstice. The winter solstice festival is an important part of China traditional culture. These customs have been passed down from generation to generation, enriching people's lives and inheriting the fine traditions of the Chinese nation. I hope this information is helpful to you!