What are the customs of winter solstice?

The winter solstice is one of the traditional festivals in China, which marks the official start of winter. There are many traditional customs related to the winter solstice in China. Here are some customs related to the winter solstice:

1. Eating jiaozi on the winter solstice: Eating jiaozi on the winter solstice is a traditional custom in northern China. Jiaozi is usually contracted by the whole family, symbolizing reunion and joint efforts. Jiaozi can include meat, vegetables and seafood.

2. Drink jiaozi from the solstice in winter: Tangyuan is a traditional food from the solstice in winter, symbolizing reunion and integrity. Usually glutinous rice flour is made into a circle and cooked in soup. People will sit together as a family and enjoy the hot jiaozi.

3. Hang red lanterns and put up New Year pictures: When the winter solstice comes, people will hang red lanterns and put up New Year pictures at the door. Red lanterns symbolize auspiciousness and happiness, while New Year pictures are patterns painted on paper, usually depicting fairy tales or animals.

4. Dragon Boat Race: In Guangdong, the dragon boat race will be held from winter to Sunday. People will organize dragon boat races to celebrate the winter solstice. This is a traditional sports activity, and it is also the inheritance of history and culture.

5. Eating red bean porridge: In southern China, it is also a traditional custom to eat red bean porridge during the winter solstice. Red bean porridge is made of red beans, glutinous rice and boiled water, which symbolizes blessing and disaster relief.

6. ancestor worship: in some places, people will worship their ancestors on the solstice in winter. They will prepare food and drinks, put them in front of the ancestral tablets, and light incense sticks to express their respect and nostalgia for their ancestors.

These customs are a long tradition inherited and maintained by the people of China. They represent the importance that China people attach to family, reunion and blessing. The winter solstice is not only a festival, but also a manifestation of traditional culture.