Starting the Year of the Metal Ox (2021) right begins with this very important date. To some, more significant compared to the Lunar New Year itself.
Historically, this date is intimately connected to people's economic livelihood upon the monitoring of the progressive season. As such, in many cultures, the Winter Solstice was once observed as the start of the new year.
In 2020, Winter Solstice begins 6.04pm (local time) on 21 December.
As early as 2,500 years ago, about the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), Winter Solstice was determined by observing movements of the sun with a sundial. Being the earliest of the 24 seasonal division points, it falls on December 21 or 22 according to the Gregorian calendar. The Northern hemisphere on this day experiences the shortest daytime and longest nighttime. After the Winter Solstice, days will become longer. As Chinese wisdom goes, the yang, positive things takes precedence after this day, so it should be celebrated and accelerated. Today, the Winter Solstice is celebrated by consuming 'Tang Yuan', a sweet delicacy of rice dumplings to symbolize a year of harmony and abundance (or fullness) to come. The significance is to observe this day as a good start to clean up one's act and plan ahead. Gather the family for warmth and a hearty meal. It's a time to reflect, forgive and plan ahead. Take it easy on this day, start on a happy note, make a resolution way ahead of others and yes, make a wish.
Preparation for a positive and better year has started for you.