Winter Solstice, the 22nd solar term of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms

Today is Winter Solstice, the 22nd solar term of the 24 traditional Chinese solar terms in the whole year. On this day, the northern hemisphere has the shortest day time and the longest night time of the year.

After this day, many places in China go through the coldest period, which is called in Chinese, “Shu Jiu”. In total, there are nine periods with nine days for each. In the first and second nine days, people keep their hands in pockets; in the third and fourth nine days, people can walk on ice; in the fifth and sixth nine days, people can see willows along the river bank; in the seventh and eighth nine days, the swallow comes back and in the ninth nine days, the yak starts working.

photo/Ma Jian

During Winter Solstice in North China, eating dumplings is essential to the day. There is a saying that goes "Have dumplings on the first day of Winter Solstice and noodles on the first day of Summer Solstice".

Here we will enjoy a poem related to the Chinese solar terms by Du Fu, the great poet in ancient China. Wish you feel warm in this winter.

Winter Solstice

Du Fu

Far from my hometown on Winter Solstice every year, I’m in such sorrow for my poverty.

Gaunt on the river far away from home, I miss my family so much.

Facing the valley with a stick, I think of old glorious days in the palace.

Every time at this moment, I feel lost and upset.