Historical Significance

The origins of the Dongzhi Festival can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty (1045 BC–256 BC), and it became an official celebration during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD).

The festival is deeply rooted in the Chinese philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. The term “Dongzhi” translates to “winter’s extreme,” reflecting the festival’s association with the winter solstice

RICE BALLS

Traditions and Celebrations

The Dongzhi Festival is a time for family reunions and communal activities. One of the most prominent traditions is the making and eating of tangyuan, glutinous rice balls that symbolise reunion and harmony.

These rice balls are often coloured and can be either sweet or savoury, served in a broth or sweet soup. Each family member typically receives at least one large tangyuan, along with several smaller ones.

DUMPLINGS

In northern China, it is customary to eat dumplings during the Dongzhi Festival. This tradition is said to have originated from the Han Dynasty physician Zhang Zhongjing, who created dumplings to help the poor ward off the cold and prevent frostbite.

Dumplings are often filled with meat and vegetables and are shared among family and friends as a symbol of warmth and togetherness.

Another traditional food is wonton soup, particularly popular in eastern China. Wontons are similar to dumplings but have thinner wrappers and are usually served in a clear broth

In southern China, people enjoy mutton soup, believed to help keep the body warm and healthy during the cold winter months

 

Food and Drink

Food plays a central role in the Dongzhi Festival. Besides tangyuan and dumplings, other traditional foods include hot pot, a communal dish where various ingredients are cooked at the table in a simmering pot of broth. Often Chinese herbs will be added to add spice or warmth.

This dish is particularly popular in Taiwan, where it is often made with mutton or ginger duck to help combat the cold.

RICE WINE

In addition to food, rice wine is a common beverage during the festival, especially in southern China. This mildly alcoholic drink is made from glutinous rice and often flavoured with sweet osmanthus flowers.

Drinking rice wine is believed to bring warmth and comfort during the cold winter nights.

ALTARS

Cultural Practices

The Dongzhi Festival is also a time for ancestor worship. Families set up altars with offerings of food, incense, and joss paper to honour their ancestors

In some regions, people visit their ancestors’ graves to pay their respects and make offerings.

NINE LAYER CAKE

In Taiwan, a unique tradition involves making nine-layer cakes as offerings to ancestors. These cakes, made from glutinous rice flour, are shaped like animals such as chickens, ducks, and tortoises, symbolising auspiciousness and good fortune.

JADE EMPEROR

Stories and Legends

Several stories and legends are associated with the Dongzhi Festival. One popular tale involves the Kitchen God, who is believed to visit heaven on this day to report on the family’s conduct to the Jade Emperor.

Families would offer sacrifices to the Kitchen God in hopes of receiving a favourable report and blessings for the coming year.

Another legend tells of the Nines of Winter, a folk song that describes the progression of winter in nine-day increments, starting from the winter solstice.

The Nines of Winter, also known as Shujiu, is a traditional Chinese practice that involves counting the days of winter in nine-day periods, starting from the Winter Solstice. This practice is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and reflects the cultural significance of the winter season. This song reflects the belief that spring will arrive after nine periods of nine days, bringing warmth and renewal.

WINTER LANDSCAPE

Concept and Structure

The Nines of Winter divides the winter season into nine periods, each consisting of nine days. This results in a total of 81 days, which are believed to mark the transition from the coldest part of winter to the beginning of spring

The idea is that after these nine nine-day periods, the harshness of winter will gradually give way to the warmth of spring.

Folk Song and Weather Changes

A famous folk song accompanies the Nines of Winter, describing the changes in weather and nature throughout these periods

1. First and Second Nine Days: “Don’t take your hands out of your pockets” – It is extremely cold, and people keep their hands warm in their pockets.
2. Third and Fourth Nine Days: “You can walk on ice” – The cold intensifies, and ice becomes thick enough to walk on.
3. Fifth and Sixth Nine Days: “Willows at the river’s edge start to sprout” – Signs of life begin to appear as willows start to bud.
4. Seventh Nine Days: “Ice dissolves and water flows in the river” – The ice begins to melt, and rivers start to flow again.
5. Eighth Nine Days: “Wild geese fly back to northern areas” – Migratory birds return, signalling the approach of spring.
6. Ninth Nine Days and Beyond: “Farm cattle start to work in the field” – The weather warms up enough for agricultural activities to resume

Cultural Significance

The Nines of Winter is more than just a way to count the days; it is a reflection of the Chinese people’s close relationship with nature and their understanding of seasonal changes. The practice embodies the hope and anticipation for the end of winter and the arrival of spring, symbolising renewal and the cyclical nature of life.

Modern Observance

While the Nines of Winter is an ancient tradition, it is still observed in various forms today. In rural areas, people may still follow the traditional counting and observe the changes in nature as described in the folk song. In urban areas, the practice serves as a cultural reminder of the rhythms of nature and the importance of seasonal transitions.

The Nines of Winter is a beautiful example of how traditional practices can connect people to their environment and heritage, offering a sense of continuity and hope through the coldest days of the year.

WINTER FAMILY

Modern Celebrations

Today, the Dongzhi Festival remains an important cultural event for Chinese communities worldwide. While some traditional practices have evolved, the festival’s core themes of family reunion, ancestor worship, and the celebration of the winter solstice continue to be observed.

In urban areas, many businesses allow employees to leave work early to spend time with their families

In rural areas, the festival is still closely tied to agricultural activities, with farmers taking a break from their work to celebrate the solstice and prepare for the coming year

The Dongzhi Festival is a beautiful blend of ancient traditions and modern practices, reflecting the enduring importance of family, harmony, and the natural cycles of the earth in Chinese culture.

FAQs

1. What do people wear during Dongzhi?

There is no specific costume worn for the festival although increasingly, young people are choosing to wear Hanfu (Han-Dynasty style costumes) to celebrate the Winter Solstice as Dongzhi originated during this era.

2.Why do Chinese celebrate Dongzhi?

The festival celebrates the start of Winter with the date marking the point in the year when the days begin to get longer as the days get shorter.

3.Why is the Winter Solstice more important than the Chinese New Year?

In ancient times, people believed that after 81 days of Winter, the Spring is certain to come, bringing with it, hope.

The Winter Solstice is the solar event which marks the earth’s transition from yin energy to yang energy.