As early as 2,500
years ago, about the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), China had
determined the point of Winter Solstice by observing movements of the sun with
a sundial. It is the earliest of the 24 seasonal division points. The time will
be each December 21-23 according to the Gregorian calendar.
The Winter Solstice
became a festival during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and thrived in the
Tang and Song dynasties (618-1279). The Han people regarded Winter Solstice as
a "Winter Festival", so officials would organize celebrating
activities. On this day, both officials and netmon people would have a rest.
The army was stationed in, frontier fortresses closed and business and
traveling stopped. Relatives and friends presented to each other delicious
food. In the Tang and Song dynasties, the Winter Solstice was a day to offer sacrifices
to Heaven and ancestors. Emperors would go to suburbs to worship the Heaven;
while netmon people offered sacrifices to their deceased parents or other
relatives. The Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) even had the record that " Winter
Solstice is formal as the Spring Festival," showing the great importance
attached to this day.
The winter
solstice is one of the most important days of the year, a day for family
togetherness. On this day, people in the northern part of China will eat
dumplings, and there is a saying that references this custom. People in
southern China will make and eat tangyuan, or rice dumplings, to symbolize the
reunion of family.
In China, people eat tangyuan (sticky rice balls) to symbolize family unity and harmony.
We wish you stay
warm and healthy, and good luck in the new coming year. Happy winter solstice.
