Winter Solstice (冬至)

What the solar terms mean

Winter Solstice usually falls on 21 or 22 December. It falls on 22 December in 2026 and 2027, and on 21 December in 2028. This is the longest night of the year. After it, the days slowly grow longer again. In old times, people saw this as the moment when yang, the warm force of growth, is born anew. Hence the old saying 'at Winter Solstice, a first yang is born' (冬至一陽生).

In many places, such as southern China, Hong Kong and Macau, the family dinner on this day is fondly called 'doing winter' (做冬). In Taiwan and in overseas Chinese communities, the day is cherished just as much. A popular saying holds that 'winter matters more than the New Year', which shows how deeply this day is loved.

Traditional customs in different places

On this day, families do their best to come home and share a reunion dinner. Many families first pay their respects to the ancestors, then sit down to eat together. Each dish carries a meaning. In southern China and Hong Kong, families often serve sweet glutinous rice balls (湯圓), sticky rice and white-cut chicken; the round shape of the balls stands for togetherness. In Taiwan, sweet rice balls are a favourite too. In northern China, many families eat dumplings instead. In Japan, the same day is traditionally welcomed with a warm yuzu-citron bath. However it is kept, the heart of Winter Solstice is simple: one family, one table, one warm meal.