Winter Solstice, the 22nd solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar, usually falls around December 21st or 22nd each year, when the sun reaches the ecliptic longitude of 270°.

冬至是中国二十四节气中的第二十二个节气，通常出现在每年公历的12月21日或22日左右，此时太阳到达黄经270°。

Here, Chinese character "Zhi" (至) means "extreme" or "the most." On this day, the sun is directly above the Tropic of Capricorn, resulting in the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. From this point on, the sun will move north, and the days gradually get longer.

“至” 有“极、最”的意思，冬至这一天，太阳直射南回归线，北半球白昼最短，夜晚最长。从这一天起，太阳直射点逐渐北移，白昼会慢慢变长。

Following the Winter Solstice, temperatures drop sharply, and much of China enters its coldest period. Northern China is typically covered in snow, while part of southern regions might experience freezing rain or slight snow.

冬至之后，气温骤降，寒冷加剧。中国大部分地区将进入一年中最冷的阶段。在北方地区，积雪覆盖大地，形成了银装素裹的景象。而南方部分地区则可能出现冻雨或者小雪。

The cold weather presents a challenge for winter crops like wheat and oilseed rape,requiring farmers to take precautions to protect them. This is also a time for farmers to maintain and repair their farming equipment for the upcoming spring planting season.

寒冷的天气，对越冬作物（如小麦、油菜等）来说是一个挑战，农民需要采取措施确保作物能够安全越冬。这段时间，农民也会对农用机械进行检修和保养，确保在即将到来的春耕季节能够顺利运作。

In Chinese culture, the Winter Solstice is a hugely important day, often considered as significant as the Lunar New Year.Traditionally, it's seen as a turning point in nature; the lengthening days symbolize the return of spring and life, bringing hope to everyone.

在中国传统文化里，冬至是一个非常重要的节气，民间有“冬至大如年”的说法。古人认为，冬至是自然界气息转化的关键时刻，从此以后白昼逐渐变长，万物逐渐走向复苏，预示着新的希望和生机的到来。

Customs

冬至的传统习俗

1、Food: Different regions have different traditions, but food plays a central role in the celebrations. In the north, people traditionally eat dumplings, which is believed to have the effect of warding off the cold. They say, "No dumplings on Winter Solstice, your ears will freeze!" In the south, sweet rice balls (tangyuan) are popular, symbolizing family reunion and togetherness.

吃饺子或汤圆:不同地区有不同的饮食习惯，但大多数地方都会在冬至这天吃一些特别的食物来庆祝。北方人喜欢包饺子，寓意“消寒”，有“冬至不端饺子碗，冻掉耳朵没人管”的谚语。而南方则有吃汤圆的习惯，汤圆象征团圆美满，表达了家人团聚的愿望。

2、Ancestor Worship: The Winter Solstice is also a time for ancestor worship. Many families perform rituals to honor their ancestors and seek their blessings.

祭祖:冬至也是一个重要的祭祀节日，许多家庭会在这天举行祭祖仪式，缅怀祖先，祈求保佑。

Traditional Chinese medicine theory also suggests that people should nourish their bodies during this time, as the body's energy is lower. Eating warm foods helps to combat the cold weather.

此外，中医理论认为，冬至前后人体阳气较弱，需要适当进补以增强体质。此时食用温热性质的食物有助于抵御寒冷。

The lengthening days after the Winter Solstice represent the promise of renewal and new beginnings. It’s a time of hope and a preface to the coming new year.Let’s move forward, with the inspiration from the Winter Solstice, into a vibrant new chapter!

冬至以后，白昼渐长，象征着希望与新生的力量正在悄然萌芽。而此时，也是新的一年即将到来之际。让我们带着冬至赋予我们的勇气与希望，走进充满活力的新篇章吧！

文章来源：微信公众号“英语桥文化传播”