Winter Solstice is a very important solar term in Chinese Lunar calendar. It is around Dec 22nd or 23rd and on the day, regions in the northern hemisphere will have the shortest daytime and longest night. After winter solstice, daytime will become longer and longer. Once Winter Solstice comes, the coldest time will be ahead.

In ancient China, Winter Solstice was regarded as one of the most important events since Han Dynasty and became popular in Tang and Song Dynasties. In Han Dynasty, Winter Solstice was named as "Winter Festival", and people will celebrate it all over the country. In Tang and Song Dynasties, it became a day of heaven worship: the emperor would hold worship ceremonies. There was the saying that "Winter Solstice holiday is greater than the spring festival". Nowadays, many regions still celebrate it as a big holiday.

After thousands of years, a special food culture has also formed in Winter Solstice. Dumplings become the most common food on this day, particularly for the northerners. Some people also prefer Wonton, glue pudding and tofu jelly.
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　　Text: Wang Yanan

　　Editor: Bu Lingduo 

　　Source: UPC News Center