Dongzhi (Winter Solstice Festival)
The Chinese winter solstice, family reunion and honoring the return of yang energy.
Dongzhi falls on the winter solstice, when the sun reaches celestial longitude 270 degrees, which is December 21, 22 or 23, usually around December 22 in East Asia.
When Is Dongzhi (Winter Solstice Festival)?
Dongzhi falls on the winter solstice, when the sun reaches celestial longitude 270 degrees, which is December 21, 22 or 23, usually around December 22 in East Asia.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Dongzhi marks the winter solstice, the turning point when yang (light) energy begins to strengthen. In Taoist cosmology, the solstice marks the moment of perfect yin from which yang must grow.
How It Is Observed
Family reunion meal (second only to New Year), eating tangyuan in southern China or dumplings in the north, ancestor veneration rituals.