Winter Solstice marks the shortest daylight and the longest night of the year, signaling the official arrival of winter. According to Chinese traditions, Winter Solstice is a festival of family reunion. Families gather together to enjoy a sumptuous reunion dinner. This meal typically includes dumplings, tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), and other delicacies, symbolizing unity and happiness.
冬至是一年中白天最短、夜晚最长的日子,标志着寒冬的正式开始。根据中华传统,冬至是一个团圆的节日。家人会聚在一起,共享一顿丰盛的团圆饭。这顿晚餐通常包括饺子、汤圆等食物,寓意着团圆和幸福。
In addition to the grand dinner, there are unique Winter Solstice customs observed in different regions. For instance, in certain southern areas, people make and consume “Han Dong Dan” on Winter Solstice. This is a special food made with eggs, chopped green onions, and salt, symbolizing bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new year.
除了丰盛的晚餐,各地还有一些独特的冬至习俗。比如,南方的一些地区会在冬至这一天制作和食用寒冬蛋。这是一种用鸡蛋、葱花和盐制成的特殊食品,寓意着辞旧迎新,迎接新的一年。
Moreover, in some northern regions, there is an interesting Winter Solstice custom called “Lao Tang Yuan” or “Fishing for Tang Yuan.” Family members sit around a table and use chopsticks to pick up tangyuan from a pot and place them in bowls. Each family member takes a different number of tangyuan based on their age and status. This custom signifies reunion and sharing of happiness.
此外,北方的一些地方有一项有趣的冬至习俗,叫做“冬至捞汤圆”。这个习俗是家人一起围坐在餐桌旁,用筷子夹取汤圆,然后放入碗中。每个家庭成员都会根据自己的年龄和身份取不同数量的汤圆。这一习俗寓意着团圆、共享幸福。
Furthermore, various events celebrating Winter Solstice, such as dragon and lion dances, lantern displays, and folk performances, are organized in many places. These festive activities not only enrich people’s spiritual lives but also add joyous atmosphere to the festival.
此外,一些地方还会举办一些庆祝冬至的活动,如舞龙舞狮、灯笼展示和民俗表演等。这些庆祝活动不仅丰富了人们的精神生活,也增加了节日的喜庆氛围。
Winter Solstice customs are treasures of traditional Chinese festival culture, representing family reunion, the inheritance of traditional culture, and hopeful wishes for the future. Whether in cities or rural areas, people celebrate this significant day in various ways. The arrival of Winter Solstice brings warmth and hope, and it also anticipates the beginning of the new year. Let us celebrate Winter Solstice together and experience the warmth and happiness it brings.
冬至习俗是中国传统节日文化的瑰宝,它代表着家庭团聚、传统文化的传承和对未来的美好祝愿。无论是在城市还是乡村,人们都会以各种方式庆祝这个重要的日子。冬至的到来让人们感受到温暖和希望,也是人们期待着新年的开始。让我们共同庆祝冬至,感受其中的温馨和幸福。