Dongzhi Festival 2022 Date and Significance: Know History of the Traditional Festival of China Celebrating Winter’s Arrival
Dongzhi is a traditional holiday in the country and is celebrated by many Chinese people with their families and friends. Dongzhi literally means 'Winter's Arrival'. It is one of the 24 solar terms of China's traditional solar calendar. As we gear up to observe the Dongzhi festival, here’s all you need to know about its history and significance.
Dongzhi holds an essential place in the traditional festivals of China. Also known as Winter Solstice Festival, it is usually celebrated on December 21 or 22, when the night is the longest and the day is the shortest in the northern hemisphere. Dongzhi has a long history in China. This year, Dongzhi 2022 falls on December 22. The day is a traditional holiday in the country and is celebrated by many Chinese people with their families and friends. Dongzhi literally means 'Winter's Arrival'. It is one of the 24 solar terms of China's traditional solar calendar. As we gear up to observe the Dongzhi festival, here’s all you need to know about its history and significance. Winter 2022 Seasonal Fruits: From Oranges to Pomegranates; Savour These Must-Have Winter Fruits And Know All About Their Health Benefits.
History of Dongzhi festival
The term Dongzhi means 'Winter's Arrival'. The festival has long been celebrated on China's Winter Solstice when the night is the longest and the day is the shortest in the Northern Hemisphere. Dongzhi became a recognized traditional festival during the Han Dynasty era (206 BC – 220 AD). This means that Zhou Fong discovered the Dongzhi festival over 2,500 years ago during the Han Dynasty while using a sundial. It is one of the most important Chinese festivals celebrated by the Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong Chinese, Taiwanese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Koreans and other East Asian-related people during the Dongzhi solar term (winter solstice).
The origins of this festival can be traced back to the yin and yang philosophy of balance and harmony in the cosmos. After this celebration, it is believed that days will have longer daylight hours, increasing positive energy flowing in.
Significance of Dongzhi festival
The Dongzhi Festival is an opportunity for families to get together and celebrate the day. A famous activity that occurs during these get-togethers, especially in the southern parts of China, is the making and eating of tangyuan or balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize reunion. Tangyuan is made of glutinous rice flour; each family member receives at least one large tangyuan in addition to several small ones.
The festive foods are also a reminder that celebrators are now a year older and should behave better in the coming year. In northern China, people eat dumplings and celebrate the Dongzhi festival. This custom is said to have been started by Zhang Zhongjing in the Han Dynasty. Meanwhile, in southern China, people eat a rice cake, which means reunion.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 15, 2022 02:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).