Winter solstice is one of our traditional festivals. Do you know the origin of the winter solstice?

Winter solstice is also called winter festival and sub-year. Winter solstice comes from one of the 24 solar terms.

Generally speaking, when we talk about the winter solstice, we will talk about traditional festivals. In fact, the winter solstice includes two aspects: traditional culture and natural science. The winter solstice is one of the twenty-four solar terms, which is our traditional festival. At the same time, the winter solstice is the shortest day and the longest night in the northern hemisphere, which is also of natural scientific significance.

1. What is the origin of the winter solstice?

Winter solstice is one of the 24 solar terms. In ancient times, the solstice of winter could even be regarded as a new year. For example, in the Zhou Dynasty, after the winter solstice, it was the New Year. The ancients often said that when the cathode arrives, the sun is the spirit, that is, the next cycle begins from the winter solstice, so this day is designated as the winter solstice, and many dynasties will spend it in the form of New Year's Day. I often say that the short days are directly related to the southern solstice and the winter solstice. The ancients were full of wisdom. Although there was no modern science at that time, the ancients noticed the particularity of winter solstice through careful observation. On the solstice of winter, the sun shines directly on the tropic of Capricorn, so noon is also the lowest time of the day.

2. What do we usually do on the solstice in winter?

On the solstice of winter, we usually like to eat jiaozi. According to legend, the custom of eating jiaozi came from Zhang Zhongjing in Han Dynasty. During the winter solstice, winter is coming, so Zhang Zhongjing wrapped some medicinal materials in jiaozi to protect the safety of the poor, and this custom gradually continued.

There are some other customs during the winter solstice. For example, in the Tang Dynasty, the solstice in winter was a day to worship heaven and ancestors. At this time, as an ordinary person, he usually goes home to honor his elders. In the Ming and Qing dynasties, this tradition continued, and many people would sacrifice their ancestors on this day. Because on this day, we talk about the winter solstice, and the sun is rising. This day is what we often say when the yin is full.

Finally, in modern society, many people seem to have forgotten our traditional festivals. We don't have to have a grand winter solstice, but at least we can get together with our families to eat jiaozi. We should be round and safe.