Winter Solstice 丨冬至福至，暖待春归

冬至，是我国传统二十四节气中的第二十二个节气，也是冬季的第四个节气。时至冬至，白昼最短，气温下降。

Winter Solstice, the 22nd solar term of the year, marks the day with the shortest daylight and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

图源：东方IC

古人认为冬至是个吉祥的日子，预示否极泰来，值得庆贺。因此，冬至的重要程度并不亚于新年，于是冬至又称为“亚岁”。冬至的饮食习俗十分丰富，冬季进补也需要一定的方法。

There was a saying in ancient China: "The Winter Solstice is as significant as the Spring Festival." Winter Solstice is a time for reflection, tradition, celebration and is associated with a variety of traditional foods in Chinese culture, each of which carries a special meaning.

图源：视觉中国

北方冬至吃饺子的习俗较普遍，连带还有“不吃饺子冻掉耳朵”的说法。

In northern China, it's a tradition to eat dumplings. The practice of eating dumplings on the Winter Solstice is also linked to the belief that they help protect the ears from the cold and prevent illness. 

图源：视觉中国

在南方则是许多地方流行冬至吃汤圆。“圆”意味着“团圆”“圆满”，冬至吃汤圆又叫“冬至圆”。

Tangyuan is one of the most symbolic foods eaten during the Winter Solstice in southern China. Their round shape symbolizes family unity, togetherness, and completeness. It's believed that eating these dumplings brings good luck and ensures a harmonious and happy year ahead.

图源：视觉中国

冬至大如年的另一个习俗就是祭祖。在祭祖的同时，人们还要向父母长辈拜节。冬至很早就有了祈寿添岁的民俗，妇女会给家里的长辈奉献新做的鞋袜，古代称之为“履长至”。此习俗不仅是帮助老人过冬，还有重要的民俗礼仪意义，通过这样的献履仪式，祝愿长辈在新岁之始，以新的步履与时俱进，健康长寿。

Paying respects to ancestors and caring for parents are both important aspects of the Winter Solstice. In many traditional Chinese families, people will prepare offerings of food and incense to honor their ancestors.

Winter Solstice is often seen as a time to express filial piety and give thanks to one's parents for raising and caring for the family. One traditional gift for parents is the offering of warmth through gifts like clothing, especially shoes, which have special meaning in the context of the Winter Solstice.

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