The Winter Solstice, also known as Dongzhi in Chinese, is an important traditional festival celebrated in many East Asian cultures, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan. Here's an overview of its origins and legends in English:
**Origins:**
The Winter Solstice is based on the astronomical event where the Earth's axial tilt is farthest away from the sun, leading to the shortest day and longest night of the year. This occurs around December 21st or 22nd in the Northern Hemisphere. In ancient times, people observed this natural phenomenon and marked it as a significant day, often celebrating the end of the winter and the return of longer days.
In China, the Winter Solstice has been celebrated for over 2,000 years. It was originally associated with agricultural rituals, as it signified the end of the harvest season and the time to prepare for the winter.
**Legends:**
1. **Heavenly Emperor and His Son:** According to one legend, the Winter Solstice is celebrated to honor the Heavenly Emperor and his son. The story goes that the son was transformed into a dragon and was believed to control the weather. The celebration is a way to honor him and ensure a mild winter.
2. **Duanmu the Archer:** Another legend involves Duanmu the Archer, a celestial archer who was tasked with shooting arrows at the sun to prevent it from overheating the Earth. On the Winter Solstice, it was believed that the sun was at its weakest, and the people would gather to celebrate and honor Duanmu's efforts.
3. **The Great God of Winter:** In Chinese mythology, there is a Great God of Winter who is responsible for the cold and snow. The Winter Solstice is seen as a time to worship this deity and offer sacrifices to ensure a favorable winter.
**Celebrations:**
The Winter Solstice is celebrated in various ways across different cultures. In China, it's common to eat dumplings (Jiaozi) to symbolize wealth and prosperity. In Korea, people celebrate with a meal called Seollal and in Japan, with food like mochi and tsukimi (moon-viewing).
These traditions reflect the ancient beliefs and rituals associated with the Winter Solstice, which has evolved over time to become an integral part of cultural heritage in East Asia.
「点击下面查看原网页 领取您的八字精批报告☟☟☟☟☟☟」