Winter solstice circle (the origin and traditional customs of winter solstice solar terms)

The winter solstice, one of the twenty-four solar terms in China, is the moment when the sun reaches 270 degrees of the yellow meridian every year. Winter solstice is one of the traditional festivals in China, and it is also an important folk festival. The origin of winter solstice solar terms can be traced back to ancient times. According to historical records, the winter solstice solar terms existed in the Zhou Dynasty. The ancients believed that the winter solstice was one of the most important solar terms in a year, because it marked the official start of winter and the shortest day and the longest night in a year.

Traditional customs of winter solstice

There are rich traditional customs of solar terms from winter solstice in China, among which the most representative ones are "eating jiaozi" and "from winter solstice to Japanese yen".

Eat dumplings

Eating jiaozi is a traditional custom in northern China, especially in winter solstice. Traditional jiaozi is made by wrapping meat, vegetables and other fillings with thin dough. The custom of eating jiaozi originated in ancient times. According to legend, Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty ordered jiaozi to be used as food during the winter solstice to strengthen the soldiers' physical strength. Later, this custom gradually spread to the people and became an important holiday food.

Winter solstice ring

The winter solstice circle is another important custom of the winter solstice solar terms. The solstice yen in winter is a dessert made of glutinous rice flour, which is round in appearance and soft and waxy in taste. The production of winter solstice rings is very simple, just mix glutinous rice flour and water into dough, then knead the dough into small balls, add red dates, sesame seeds, osmanthus and other fillings, and finally steam it.

Steps to make the winter solstice ring

1. Prepare glutinous rice flour, water, red dates, sesame seeds, osmanthus flowers and other ingredients.

2. Mix glutinous rice flour and water into dough and knead it into balls.

3. Add red dates, sesame seeds, osmanthus and other fillings to the dough and knead well.

4. Knead the dough into small balls and steam it in a steamer.

5. Take out the steamed winter solstice yen, sprinkle some sesame seeds and sweet-scented osmanthus, and serve.

final result

The winter solstice yen is one of the traditional winter solstice foods in China, which is deeply loved by people because of its simple preparation and unique taste. In this winter solstice solar term, try to make some winter solstice circles, taste this food with family and friends, and feel the unique charm of China traditional culture.