The Winter Solstice has been celebrated for centuries. From Yule to Hopi Soyal, every country and culture has its own distinct traditions to honor this day. The Solstice, marked by the shortest day of the year, annually falls around December 22nd, but can vary. 

China’s ancient 24 Solar Terms or Er Shi Si Jie Qi (二十四节气) divide the year into twenty-four equal periods that align with the position of the sun, acting as the basis of the Chinese lunisolar calendar. The Winter Solstice, or Dongzhi (冬至) in Mandarin, represents the start of the twenty-second period. 

Additionally, Dongzhi represents a turning point in Yin and Yang philosophy. Yin, represented by darkness, reaches its peak during Dongzhi as the night is overwhelmingly longer than the day. However, Yang, represented by light, makes a slow return through the increased daylight in the following months. As a result, Dongzhi symbolizes hope and the return to better days.

In ancient China, Dongzhi marked the start of a new year, and was celebrated very similarly to how modern-day China celebrates Lunar New Year. Despite Dongzhi’s historical importance, it is now treated as a very minor holiday. Still, during Dongzhi families in Northern China gather together to prepare and eat dumplings. In the South, a sweet glutinous rice ball soup, Tangyuan (汤圆) in Mandarin, is commonly eaten instead. 

Niskayuna High School Chinese teacher and Asian Culture Club advisor, Ruijuan Steinberg, shares fond childhood memories of celebrating Dongzhi with her family. Her mother would prepare the dumplings’ meat and vegetable filling while Steinberg and her sister would prepare the dough for the wrappers. Once the dumplings were finished, they would be shared with neighbors and relatives. In NHS Chinese classes, students are invited to cook and eat dumplings together. Not just in celebration of Dongzhi, but in celebration of Chinese culture.  

December is a month rich with holidays spanning culture and religion. Dongzhi is a tale of endings and new beginnings, of family and unity, harmony and restoring balance. As this year comes to an end and a new one begins, it’s important to take time to reflect and celebrate our similarities and differences. Our shared hope and ambition guides us towards a new year, full of endless possibilities and prosperity. Happy holidays!