The origin and custom of winter solstice

The winter solstice is one of the traditional festivals in China and the 22nd of the 24 solar terms. Generally, it appears between June 65438+February 2 1 23 in the solar calendar. The solstice in winter marks the shortest day and the longest night in a year, thus announcing the official start of winter.

There are many folklore about the origin of the winter solstice. One of the legends is about the ancient people's observation and worship of the laws of the sun. According to legend, in ancient times, people thought that the winter solstice was the birthday of the sun, so they held celebrations to welcome the New Year. Another legend is that the solstice in winter is an important moment when Yin and Yang alternate, and people should welcome the new season by eating and offering sacrifices.

There are rich and varied customs on the solstice in winter. Perhaps the most famous is to eat glutinous rice balls. In China, eating jiaozi has become a traditional custom from the winter solstice. This is because the shape and name of glutinous rice balls are related to reunion, and the solstice in winter is a family reunion festival. People usually get together to eat glutinous rice balls on the solstice of winter, which symbolizes reunion and happiness.

In addition, there are some unique customs in some areas from winter to Sunday. For example, some places in the south will hold dragon boat races. People put beautifully decorated dragon boats into the water and then compete who can row the fastest. This activity means that the coming year will be safe and smooth.

Generally speaking, the winter solstice is an important and distinctive solar term in traditional festivals in China. People celebrate this day by eating glutinous rice balls and holding celebrations, hoping for happiness, reunion and good luck in the new year.

The following is a picture related to the winter solstice: