The Winter Solstice is as significant as the New Year—a small reunion in the human world.

The Winter Solstice (English: winter solstice), also known as “Winter Festival” or “Celebration of Winter,” is one of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms and one of the Eight Major Astronomical Solar Terms in traditional Chinese culture, standing in contrast to the Summer Solstice. It begins when the Sun reaches a celestial longitude of 270°, typically around December 22 on the Gregorian calendar. According to tradition, during the Zhou Dynasty, the Winter Solstice was regarded as the New Year’s Day and was once a very festive occasion.

Winter Solstice solar term

Time passes in quiet, unspoken stillness, hurrying along with each passing moment; yet here comes the joyful fall of fresh snow, and the cold air heralds a truly wintery season. In the final month of 2022, we welcome the year’s last solar term—Winter Solstice. Though the Winter Solstice arrives quietly, even the harshest cold fronts can never dampen the warmth within our hearts.

The Winter Solstice, also known as the Winter Festival or “Jiaodong,” is both one of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms and a traditional Chinese festival. It was once said that “the Winter Solstice is as important as the New Year,” and has long been highly revered in both imperial courts and among the common people, with ritual sacrifices dating back to the Zhou Dynasty.

Ancient people believed that from the Winter Solstice onward, the days grow longer each day as yang energy begins to rise and the yang force of heaven and earth gradually strengthens, signaling the start of a new cycle—a most auspicious day.

Ancient Folk Customs

The practice of celebrating the Winter Solstice as a festival originated in the Han dynasty, reached its peak during the Tang and Song dynasties, and has been passed down to the present day. Under the Zhou calendar, the first month corresponded to the eleventh month of the modern lunar calendar; thus, the Zhou “first month” was equivalent to our current eleventh month, and there was no distinction between “worshipping the new year” and “celebrating winter.” It was only after Emperor Wu of the Han adopted the lunar calendar that the first month and the Winter Solstice were separated. Consequently, it can be said that the dedicated celebration of the “Winter Solstice Festival” emerged only after the Han dynasty, flourished during the Tang and Song periods, and has continued to this day.

Modern Folklore

Ancestor worship

In many regions, it is customary to offer sacrifices to Heaven and to one’s ancestors on the Winter Solstice; even today, certain areas—such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces and southern Fujian—still observe the Winter Solstice as a festive occasion.

Health preservation

The Winter Solstice is an excellent time for health preservation, primarily because “qi begins at the Winter Solstice.” As winter sets in, vital activities shift from peak to decline and from movement to stillness. Practicing scientific health-preserving methods during this period can help maintain robust energy, ward off premature aging, and promote longevity. During the Winter Solstice, it is advisable to eat a varied diet that includes grains, fruits, meats, and vegetables in balanced proportions, with appropriate inclusion of calcium-rich foods.

Traditional cuisine

Different regions have distinct customs on the Winter Solstice: in northern China, it is customary to slaughter sheep, eat dumplings, and enjoy wontons; in southern China, people traditionally savor tangyuan and long noodles on this day; and in southern Jiangsu, locals enjoy stir-fried tofu with scallions.

Time slips by quietly and swiftly; amid the joyful fall of abundant snow, the cold winter reigns supreme.

Time flies—another crisp, chilly year has passed, and with the Winter Solstice comes a quiet wave of happiness!

Winter Solstice has arrived—wishing you a joyful Winter Solstice, happiness for your whole family, and good health, bliss, and fulfillment!