A time of rebirth and renewal.
The Winter Solstice falls on 21st December 2024 at 5.20pm local time.
Once celebrated as the coming of the new year, this day marks the longest night and the shortest day. This symbolizes the rebirth of the sun, associated with the dawn of hope, renewals and new beginnings.
The balance of Yin and Yang.
This day celebrates the turning point of darkness into light, shortest day into sunlight, cold to warmth, despair to hope, sorrow to happiness, differences to agreement, hatred to love, immobility to activity and the concept of good over evil. In mythology, this is the return of the Sun Star to the world.
Reflection and Renewal.
A time for personal reflection, this is a great day for one to slow down, look back at one's work, contributions, trials, fumbling, even failures, and learn from mistakes. The Winter Solstice reminds us to look ahead with optimism and strength. It symbolizes the cycle of life, an ecosystem, and the chance for rebirth of all things in life.
A time for gathering and celebrations (南吃汤圆北吃饺) .
Homes are cleaned up and decorated with lights, lanterns, candles to represent light, warmth, love and the sight of eternal life. It is customary to serve dumplings, sweet potatoes in ginger soup and the evergreen sweet glutinous balls. By location, people living in the South takes dumplings while the North consumes the glutinous ball , all in the spirit of community, strengthening bonds, nourishment and good health for all.
A prayer for good fortune.
This is also observed as a day of filial piety, to pay respects to the elderly and remember those who are no longer with us. For others, it is a also a chance to visit the temple or any place of one's worship to ask for safety, harmony and a better future. Above all, this say also presents itself as an opportunity to invite the God of Wealth into the home. In the evening, if you look towards the open sky, you may spot that lone star. Make a wish and may you be blessed with the good fortune that you deserve.
Comments