Winter Solstice is an important solar term among the 24 Chinese solar terms, usually falling on December 21 or 22 of each year in the Gregorian calendar. The winter solstice marks the beginning of winter and is the southernmost point of direct sunlight. In China, the Winter Solstice is an important festival, and people hold various celebrations including eating dumplings and glutinous rice balls.
On the winter solstice, people in northern China usually eat dumplings because dumplings are a food that symbolizes reunion and harmony. Dumplings are one of the traditional Chinese delicacies. They are dumplings made of flour and filled with various fillings. People in the south will eat glutinous rice balls during the winter solstice. This is a round dessert made of glutinous rice flour, filled with various fillings, such as sesame, peanuts, etc., and sprinkled with glutinous rice flour on the outside, which symbolizes reunion and harmony.
In addition to eating dumplings and glutinous rice balls, one of the most important customs during the Winter Solstice is family reunion. The Chinese believe that on this day, families should get together to celebrate and share happiness. This is a time when families come together regardless of distance to enjoy a warm and sumptuous meal. This tradition reflects the importance of family ties and filial piety in Chinese culture.
Overall, the Winter Solstice is an important festival in China, and people celebrate it by eating dumplings, eating dumplings and other traditional foods, and holding various celebrations.