What is Winter Solstice?

The Winter Solstice, also known as midwinter.

In astronomy, the Winter Solstice occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun. Its length of daytime depends on the latitude. In Northern Hemisphere, the higher the latitude, the shorter the daylight hours and the polar night occurs in the Arctic Circle. After the Winter Solstice, the days in Northern Hemisphere gradually get longer and the night get shorter. Thus, the Winter Solstice was set as festivals in many places around the world to celebrate the return of sun, such as Dongzhi in China. Dongzhi is one of the twenty-four solar terms of China and it is considered the first solar term to be determined in Chinese history.

When is the Winter Solstice?

Throughout the world, the Winter Solstice is only celebrated for one day, which usually falls on December 21, 22 or 23. Therefore, it is also called December Solstice. In 2020, its exact start time is 18:02:12 of December 21 in Beijing time, in Universal Time is 10:02:12, December 21 and in Eastern Standard Time is 05:02:12, December 21.

How it is celebrated in China?

Winter Solstice is known as Winter Festival or Dongzhi Festival in China. In ancient China, rulers of all dynasties would worship the heaven, wishing for positive fortune and avoiding catastrophes. There are other festival activities. For example, in Hangzhou and Huzhou, people pay respects to ancestors at their tombs. For ordinary families, members far away from home would return, and the entire family would worship their ancestors as sons and daughters extend holiday greetings to their parents.

All the time, dumpling is the most essential and popular food, especially in northern China. Some eat wontons on that day as well, like Beijing. As a proverb says, In the eleventh month, Winter Solstice comes, and every family eats dumpling. It is said that if you do not eat dumpling in the Winter Solstice, your ears would freeze in winter. In South part, glutinous rice balls which symbolize family reunion are more popular for locals. Whether it is dumplings in the north or glutinous rice balls in the south, they are a symbol of happiness during this unique festival.

Why is the Winter Solstice so important?

It meaningful is not only to pay respect to ancestors and pay homage to the ancestors, but also expresses a wonderful vision of public for a rich harvest in the future.

Are there any proverbs about the Winter Solstice?

As a proverb says, In the eleventh month, Winter Solstice comes, and every family eats dumpling. It is said that if you do not eat dumpling in the Winter Solstice, your ears would freeze in winter as well.

In addition to, there are the most famous love poems on Dongzhi. Such as:

1. Missing Xiangling on Winter Solstice Night

by Bai Juyi

I can't see my lover, and quilt is too cold to touch.

Both of us sleep alone; how can we spend the longest night?

2. Homesick Winter Solstice Night in Handan

by Bai Juyi

At the courier station of Handan on Winter Solstice night, my arms clasping my knees, only my shadow is accompanying me.

My family might sit for a long time, talking about me now at this moment.

3. Winter Solstice

by Du Fu

Far from my hometown on Winter Solstice every year, I’m in such sorrow for my poverty.

Gaunt on the river far away from home, I miss my family so much.

Facing the valley with a stick, I think of old glorious days in the palace.

Every time at this moment, I feel lost and upset.

……

There are also kinds of beautiful poems and proverbs of Dongzhi waiting for you to appreciate!