奇速英语

冬至：北饺子南汤圆，过完冬至就是年

Winter Solstice (冬至) is the 22nd solar term of the year. It usually begins between December 21 and 23. On the Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere (半球) experiences the shortest day and the longest night in the year, as the sun shines directly at the Tropic of Capricorn (南回归线). From then on, the days become longer and the nights become shorter. The Winter Solstice also marks the arrival of the coldest season in the year.

There was a saying in ancient China, “The Winter Solstice is as significant as the Spring Festival.” As early as the Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC-256 BC), people worshipped (敬奉) the gods on the Winter Solstice, which also was the first day of the new year. The Winter Solstice became a winter festival during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD). The celebratory activities were officially organized. On this day, both officials and common people would have a rest. During the following dynasties, such as the Tang (618-907), Song (960-1279) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911), the Winter Solstice was a day to give offerings to Heaven and to ancestors.

During Winter Solstice, people eat differently in different parts of China. In North China, eating dumplings is extremely important to the festival. There is a saying that goes “Have dumplings on the Winter Solstice and noodles on the Summer Solstice.” In parts of southern China, such as Shanghai, people eat tangyuan (rice dumplings) to celebrate Winter Solstice. But no matter where you are in China, as the midwinter comes, eating some nuts, such as peanuts, walnuts, chestnuts, hazelnuts and almonds, is good for your body. According to traditional Chinese medical science, they help to keep your kidneys, the brain and heart healthy.