The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms. Winter Solstice (Chinese: 冬至), the 22nd solar term of the year, begins this year on Dec 21.
中国传统农历将一年分为二十四个节气。冬至(Winter Solstice)是第22个节气,今年12月21日开始。
On the first day of Winter Solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences the shortest day and the longest night in the year, as the sun shines directly at the Tropic of Capricorn. From then on, the days become longer and the nights become shorter. The Winter Solstice also marks the arrival of the coldest season in the year.
在冬至的第一天,北半球会经历一年中最短的白天和最长的夜晚,因为太阳直射在南回归线。自此以后,白昼的时间变得越来越长而夜晚则会越来越短。冬至也标志着一年中最寒冷的季节的到来。
Here are something you should know about Winter Solstice.
以下是关于冬至你应该知道的一些事。
The Winter Solstice Festival 冬至节
There was a saying in ancient China, "The Winter Solstice is as significant as the Spring Festival."
中国古代有句俗语:“冬至如大年。”
As early as the Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-256BC), people worshipped the gods on the first day of the Winter Solstice, which also was the first day of the new year.
The Winter Solstice became a winter festival during the Han Dynasty (206 BC-220AD). The celebratory activities were officially organized. On this day, both officials and common people would have a rest.
早在周朝时期,人们会在冬至当日,也就是当时新年的第一天祭拜神灵。汉朝时,冬至成为了冬天的节日,朝廷会举行正式的庆祝活动。这一天,百官和庶民都会停工歇息。
During subsequent dynasties, such as the Tang (618-907), Song (960-1279) and Qing dynasties (1644-1911), the Winter Solstice was a day to offer sacrifices to Heaven and to ancestors.
在随后的朝代,如唐(618-907)、宋(960-1279)、清(1644-1911),冬至这天要进行祭神祭祖。
北吃饺子
In many areas of northern China, there is the custom of eating dumplings every winter solstice.
在我国北方许多地区,每年冬至日,有吃饺子的习俗。
相传医圣张仲景告老还乡时看到受冻的百姓,便用羊肉和一些驱寒药材以及面皮,包成像耳朵的样子,做成一种叫“驱寒矫耳汤”的药物,施舍给百姓吃。后来,每逢冬至,人们便模仿做着吃,形成了习俗。
南吃汤圆
It is a traditional custom to eat Tangyuan on the winter solstice. Tangyuan is also called tangtuan, which means "Reunion" and "consummation". Therefore, eating Tangyuan on the winter solstice is also called "winter solstice dumpling".
冬至吃汤圆,是我国江南地区的传统习俗。汤圆也称汤团,“圆”意味着“团圆”“圆满”,所以冬至吃汤圆又叫“冬至团”。
每逢冬至清晨,各家各户磨糯米粉,并用糖、肉、莱、果、萝卜丝等做馅,包成冬至团,不但自家人吃,也会赠送亲友以表祝福之意。民间也有“吃了汤圆大一岁”的说法。
Since ancient times, the status of the winter solstice is no less than that of the new year. What is the winter solstice in the minds of literati?
自古以来,冬至的地位便不亚于新年。文人墨客心中的冬至,又是何模样?
《邯郸冬至夜思家》
【唐】白居易
邯郸驿里逢冬至,抱膝灯前影伴身。
想得家中夜深坐,还应说着远行人。
Winter Solstice Festival, the detention in the outside, solitary shadow cold lamp, is all in the way. The light homesickness, the thick bosom relatives lets the human move.
冬至佳节,羁旅在外,孤影寒灯,全是挂碍。淡淡的思乡,浓浓的怀亲让人动容。
《小至》
【唐】杜甫
天时人事日相催,冬至阳生春又来。
刺绣五纹添弱线,吹葭六琯动浮灰。
岸容待腊将舒柳,山意冲寒欲放梅。
云物不殊乡国异,教儿且覆掌中杯。
When the winter solstice arrives, spring is not far away. Although in a foreign country, there are no differences in clouds and things.
Therefore, the poet teaches his son to pour wine and raise his glass to drink, which reflects his rare and comfortable mood.
冬至既到,春天也就不远了,虽然身处异乡,但云物不殊,所以诗人教儿斟酒,举杯痛饮,反映出诗人难得的舒适心情。
岁岁年年,轮回不止,勾勒出二十四节气,蕴含其中的,是我们对生活的探寻,对时间的敬重。
奇速英语祝各位家长老师同学们:
冬至阳生春又来,新的一年即将到来之际,阖家美满!