winter solstice
/ˋsɑlstɪs/ 冬至
winter solstice
冬至，是農曆二十四個節氣之一，在公曆十二月二十二日左右，這天北半球黑夜最長，白天最短。民間稱冬至節為“過小年”，有的地區認為此節的隆重程度與過新年一樣，所以説“冬至大如年”。甚至還有“肥東瘦年”的説法，由此可見民間對冬至節的重視了。
The Winter Solstice: one of the twenty-four solar terms. It is around 22nd December of the solar year. On that day in the northern hemisphere, the night is the longest and the day the shortest in the whole year. The Winter Solstice is popularly called the “Small New Year”. In some areas people think the Winter Solstice should be celebrated as grandly as the New Year. Thus, the saying goes, “Fat Winter Solstice and lean New Year” This shows the importance people attach to the Winter Solstice.
古人認為自冬至起，白晝一天比一天長，陽氣回升，天地陽氣開始興做漸強，代表下一個循環開始。
The Chinese celebration of the winter solstice, Dongzhi (which means "Winter Arrives") welcomes the return of longer nights and blessing of good health and prosperity.
冬至是我國重要的節日，民間有“冬至大過年”之説，也有吃了冬至夜飯長一歲的説法，俗稱“添歲”。古時候，農民和漁民會在冬至這天休息與家人團聚，一起享用豐盛的一餐。
The festival has its own significance for many people, and is believed to be the day when everyone gets one year older. Although the festival isn't an official holiday in China, historically farmers and fishermen would take time off from work and reunite with their families with a lavish meal. Today, it is an occasion for families to join together to celebrate the year that has passed and share good wishes for the year to come.
南方人冬至要吃湯圓，寓意團團圓圓;而北方人則喜歡吃餃子，有着“十月一，冬至到，家家户户吃水餃”的諺語，還有“吃了冬至餃子不凍耳朵”的説法。
The most traditional food for this celebration in southern China is the glutinous rice balls known as tangyuan, often brightly colored and cooked in sweet or savory broth. Northern Chinese enjoy plain or meat-stuffed dumplings, a particularly warming and nourishing food for a midwinter celebration.