Winter Solstice, known as one of the 24 solar terms, is a traditional celebration of the new cycle of solar rebirth. Chinese people usually worship their ancestors, eat dumplings or tangyuan, and draw nine (a picture for calculating the “spring warmth date”). For agriculture, it is a proper time to construct water conservancy systems and store compost. It is also significant to pay serious attention to keeping rice seedlings warm.

Winter Solstice is on December 21st this year. As I write this, I suddenly realize how wonderful it is. Taking off the burden of fatigue, returning home, and having a bowl of steaming hot dumplings allows us to sense warmth that is different from the cold weather outside and enjoy a reunion with our family.