Start of Winter: Eating Jiaozi to Welcome Winter
Start of Winter is one of the Twenty-Four Solar Terms, marking the beginning of winter. It falls on November 7—8 every year in the Gregorian calendar. Eating jiaozi (dumplings) is the core custom on this day, symbolizing attracting wealth and resisting cold. Derived from Zhang Zhongjing, the "Medical Sage" of the Eastern Han Dynasty, this tradition originated when he wrapped mutton and cold-dispelling herbs into "Jiao'er" (dumpling-like food) to keep people warm in severe winters.The main fillings in northern China are Chinese cabbage with pork, and chives with eggs. In some areas, jiaozi is served with vinegar and garlic for better cold resistance. Some southern regions adopt this custom and adjust the fillings to suit local tastes.
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"Nourish in Start of Winter to satisfy the appetite". People eat warm-natured ingredients such as mutton, beef, radish and Chinese yam to store energy for resisting the cold winter.Ancestor and heaven worship: Ancient ancestors held sacrificial ceremonies on Start of Winter to thank for the autumn harvest and pray for peace and smoothness in winter. This tradition is still preserved in some areas.Brewing yellow rice wine: In some southern regions, people brew yellow rice wine on Start of Winter. The low temperature in winter allows slow fermentation, making the wine taste more mellow and fragrant.
All the staff of Rongyou would like to wish everyone good health and all the best. Remember to eat the dumplings~~~~
