What does the solar term winter solstice mean?

The winter solstice is one of the traditional twenty-four solar terms in China, and it is the first solar term in winter, which usually occurs on February 22nd or 23rd every year. Winter solstice is considered as an important day in ancient China because it has the shortest day and the longest night. In many areas, there are customs of eating jiaozi, eating sauced ducks and drinking drinks. In addition, the winter solstice festival is also a good time to hold ceremonies and sacrifices. Many families will offer sacrifices to their ancestors to show their respect and memory.

Winter solstice is also an important solar term in China farming culture. Because the solstice in winter is the coldest time in the cold season, people must seize the time to do activities to prepare for winter. During this period, some special activities will be carried out, such as putting out river lanterns, blowing reeds, frying twists and so on. These activities have rich cultural connotations and represent the hope for spring and a new beginning.

Every winter solstice is an exciting day as well as a day of reflection. It reminds us to cherish the days, feel the passing of time, and at the same time let us consider the future and prepare for it. Facing the rapid change and competition in the world, we must make plans and decisions for our future, and try our best to seize every opportunity to make our life more substantial and valuable.