The Winter Solstice, also known as Dongzhi in Chinese, is an important traditional festival in China, particularly in Beijing. It marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, occurring around December 21 or 22. Here is the English translation of the origin and legend of Beijing's Winter Solstice:
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The origin of the Winter Solstice can be traced back to ancient China, where it was a time to honor the gods and ancestors. The Winter Solstice was considered a critical moment in the agricultural calendar, as it marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the cold winter months.
In Beijing, the Winter Solstice is celebrated with various customs and traditions. One of the most famous is the making of dumplings, which is believed to bring good luck and prosperity. It's also a time for family reunions, and people often gather to eat dumplings and exchange gifts.
There are several legends associated with the Winter Solstice. One of the most popular is the story of the ancient Chinese god of winter, Chang'e. According to the legend, Chang'e was a beautiful moon goddess who lived on the moon. One day, she fell in love with a mortal man named Hou Yi. Hou Yi was a great archer and was said to have shot down nine of the ten suns that had been plaguing the Earth. Impressed by his bravery, Chang'e fell in love with him.
However, Hou Yi already had a wife, and the couple faced many challenges in their relationship. Eventually, Chang'e was forced to leave Hou Yi and return to the moon. It is said that during the Winter Solstice, Chang'e returns to Earth to visit her mortal lover. This is why the Winter Solstice is often associated with the moon and is celebrated with mooncakes in some regions.
Another legend is about the Chinese god of winter, Shu Chang. According to this story, Shu Chang was a benevolent deity who lived on the North Pole. He would travel to the Earth during the Winter Solstice to bring warmth and comfort to people during the harsh winter months.
The Winter Solstice is a time of reflection and gratitude in Beijing. People express their thanks for the previous year's harvest and look forward to the coming year with hope and optimism.
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This is a summary of the origin and legend of Beijing's Winter Solstice. The actual celebration might include more local customs and stories.
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