Winter Solstice：the Shortest Daytime in the Northern Hemisphere

冬至（Winter Solstice）又名“一陽生”，是中國農歷中一個重要的節氣，也是中華民族的一個傳統節日。冬至俗稱“數九”“冬節”“長至節”“亞歲”等。早在2500年前的春秋時代，中國就已經用土圭觀測太陽，測定出了冬至。它是二十四節氣中最早制訂出的一個，時間在每年的公歷12月21日至23日之間。W inter Solstice is not only a solar term but also an important festival.

◆Introduction

Winter Solstice falls between the periods of December 21 to December 23.On this day,the day is the shortest and night is the longest in the year.After this day,many places in China go through the coldest period,which is called in Chinese Shujiu,meaning counting nine.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（楊柳）along the river bank;in the seventh and eighth nine days,the swallow comes back and in the ninth nine days,the farm cattle （耕 牛 ）starts working.

◆Traditional Customs

Wanton noodles(Huntun):During the Han Dynasty,the Hsiung-Nu（匈奴）often invaded the border and bullied (傷 害)the farmers.Their leaders'surnames were Hun and Tun.Farmers hated them so much and made dumplings with their names.Thus,people formed the tradition on this day.

Red bean glutinous rice (赤豆糯米飯):In south China,people have the custom of eating red bean glutinous rice.In a very old story,a bad man always bullied the poor people.He died on the day of Winter Solstice,turned into ghost and continued to do bad things.However,this ghost was scared of the red bean most and people ate it to drive him away.

Jiaozi:Jiaozi is a must on this day whether the family is poor or rich.

◆Healthy Living Tips

As Chinese medical principle believes,the Yangqi inside people's body is born on this day.In ancient times,there was a period considering Winter Solstice as the beginning of the year.When the Yangqi is born,it should be raised and protected just like crops.Only when it's well protected can people's health be in a good condition for the whole year.