Today marks Winter Solstice, with the sun's rays directly striking the Tropic of Capricorn, making it the day with the shortest daylight and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere.

Although the Chinese character 至（Zhì）in冬至 (Dōngzhì) or Winter Solstice implies "extreme," why isn't today the coldest day? In fact, while the Winter Solstice siginfies the beginning of the growth of yang energy, the heat accumulated in the Earth's surface lags behind the sun's movement. As a result, the Earth's warmth gradually dissipates, and the coldness accumulates. Coupled with the cooling effects of cold waves, the temperatures during the subsequent solar terms of Minor Cold and Major Cold will be even lower after the Winter Solstice, hence the popular saying, "It's only after the Winter Solstice that the real cold sets in."

In Zhejiang, people take Winter Solstice pretty seriously because it symbolizes the alternation of yin and yang, and the beginning of a new year cycle. Many families celebrate together, enjoying delicious food and paying respects to their ancestors. From today on, as the tradition goes, people also start to record the coldest period of the year with the "Picture of Dispelling Cold in the Nine-Nine Period" (Double- Nine Diagram).

Solar Terms and the Universe is a special video series jointly produced by Hangzhoufeel, the International Education School of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, and the International Relations Office of ZCMU. Each episode provides you with intimate knowledge about Solar Terms and health tips.

In the latest episode, Nigerian student Ajibike David Ayodeji, who hails from a tropical region, experienced the cold of Hangzhou and learned a lot about the philosophy and cultural depth of the Winter Solstice from his teacher, Xu Ningjun. Let's share with David some of his reflections.

I am Ajibike David Ayodeji, a Nigerian student at Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (ZCMU) studying nursing. Because of the Solar Terms and the Universe series collaboration by Hangzhoufeel and ZCMU, I had the opportunity to engage with Mr. Xu, who shared his insights on the significance of 冬至 (Dōngzhì), or Winter Solstice, one of the 24 solar terms in the traditional Chinese calendar. Today marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It’s is not merely a seasonal marker but a profound cultural event deeply rooted in Chinese cosmology and philosophy.

Winter Solstice Sunlight Diagram

The Winter Solstice signifies the transition from the dominance of yin to an increase in yang as days begin to lengthen. This shift is celebrated as a time of renewal and hope, reflecting the cyclical nature of life and the universe.

The Winter Solstice is traditionally a time for family gatherings, families come together to share meals, particularly tangyuan (glutinous rice balls) in Zhejiang , which symbolize reunion and harmony. Beyond its astronomical implications, Winter Solstice serves as a reminder of cultural heritage and identity, this foster a sense of belonging and continuity within communities.

The solstice is also linked to health practices in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is believed that consuming warming foods during this time can help strengthen the body against winter ailments. Winter Solstice encourages individuals to reflect on their lives as they prepare for the coming year. This period of introspection aligns with the philosophical idea of self-cultivation in Confucianism, where personal growth is seen as essential for contributing positively to society.

Mr. Xu also explained a Chinese painting to me called "Picture of Dispelling Cold in the Nine-Nine Period." He further explained that starting from the Winter Solstice, you draw one petal every day. When you've finished drawing all the 81 petals of the plum blossom, the coldest days will be over. The picture can be replaced with characters to count the nine-nine periods, and one stroke stands for everyday. What we are counting for is hope indeed with our anticipation for spring in our hearts.

Winter Solstice encapsulates key aspects of ancient Chinese philosophy—balance, family unity, cultural significance, health awareness, and personal reflection. Understanding these elements not only enriches our appreciation for this celebration but also highlights its relevance in contemporary society as a time for renewal and hope.