冬至
Dōngzhì · Winter Solstice · Dec 21-23

Winter Solstice (冬至)

Solar Terms Chinese Calendar TCM
Summary

冬至 (Dōngzhì), the Winter Solstice solar term, falls around Dec 21-23. Shortest day, longest night. Yin reaches its peak — after this, yang is reborn. The most important solar term festival: family gatherings, dumplings in the north, tangyuan (sweet rice balls) in the so

Key Takeaways
  • 冬至 is the 22th of 24 solar terms
  • Shortest day, longest night. Yin reaches its peak — after this, yang is reborn. The most important s
  • Traditional diets and TCM practices adapt to this seasonal shift
  • The solar term system connects natural cycles with human wellbeing

Meaning and Significance

Shortest day, longest night. Yin reaches its peak — after this, yang is reborn. The most important solar term festival: family gatherings, dumplings in the north, tangyuan (sweet rice balls) in the south. 'Winter Solstice is as important as New Year.' A celebration of the returning light.

Related Concepts

Further Reading