The winter solstice is the fourth solar term in the 24 solar terms? The winter solstice is an important solar term in the 24 solar terms, which also indicates the beginning of the cold winter. After the winter solstice, the temperature drops suddenly for nine days, so it is important to keep warm. What does the winter solstice mean?
How many solar terms is the winter solstice?
The winter solstice is the 22nd of the 24 solar terms.
In order to fully reflect the change of seasonal climate, ancient astronomers used the "tugui" method to determine the vernal equinox, summer solstice, autumn equinox and winter solstice as early as in the Zhou Dynasty and the spring and Autumn period. According to the change of the sun's position on the ecliptic in a year and the order of the evolution of the earth's climate, they divided the whole year into 24 equal parts, that is, 24 solar terms.
The winter solstice is from December 21 to 23 of the Gregorian calendar. It is worth noting that the earth is located near the perihelion around the winter solstice, and the speed of its movement is slightly faster. This results in that the time of direct sunlight to the southern hemisphere is about 8 days shorter than that to the northern hemisphere in a year, so the winter in the northern hemisphere is slightly shorter than that in summer. As the ancients said, when the cathode reaches, the Yang begins to grow, when the sun reaches south, when the sun is short, and when the shadow is long, it is called "winter solstice". The ancients believed that since the winter solstice, the Yangqi of heaven and earth began to flourish and gradually strengthen, that is to say, the next cycle began, and the Yangqi of heaven and earth rose in the winter solstice, which was the 'day of great auspice'.
Knowledge of winter solstice solar terms: origin of winter solstice
The winter solstice originated from the Chinese concept of yin and Yang. Yin and Yang symbolize the balance and coordination of life. The Chinese believe that when the winter solstice comes, it is the time when the dark power and cold nature of Yin are most intense. At the same time, it is also a critical time. Only because the light and warmth of Yang will gradually eliminate the cold nature of Yin. Therefore, the winter solstice is a harmonious and happy time. The ancients believed that the winter solstice, although still in the cold season, but spring is not far away.
The winter solstice is not only a very important solar term in the Chinese lunar calendar, but also a traditional festival. Up to now, there are still many places that have the custom of the winter solstice festival. Winter solstice is commonly known as "winter festival", "long to Festival", "sub year old", etc. As early as in the spring and Autumn period more than 25000 years ago, China has measured the solstice by observing the sun with tugui, which is the earliest one of the 24 solar terms. The time is between December 22 and 23 of the Gregorian calendar.