Lidong, one of the 24 solar terms, marks the beginning of winter. It typically arrives on November 7 or 8 in the Gregorian calendar, when the sun reaches 225 degrees longitude. At this time, solar radiation in the Northern Hemisphere gradually decreases, and the weather begins to transition from the coolness of autumn to the chill of winter.
Lidong is not only a climatic turning point but also an important moment in traditional culture. In ancient times, emperors held winter-welcoming ceremonies to pray for a good harvest in the coming year. Among the people, there are customs like eating dumplings and ancestor worship, symbolizing reunion and blessings. These customs reflect a reverence for winter and a hopeful outlook on life.
With the arrival of Lidong, nature enters a state of rest and conservation. All things begin to store energy, waiting for the arrival of spring. People should also follow natural rhythms, adjusting their schedules and diets, paying attention to warmth and health, in preparation for the cold winter season.
What is the 19th solar term
The 19th solar term is Lidong. As the 19th of the 24 solar terms, Lidong is also the first term of winter, observed annually between November 7 and 8 in the Gregorian calendar. As a seasonal term, Lidong signifies the entry into winter. "Li" (立) means establishment or beginning, and "Dong" (冬) means end, symbolizing that all things are stored away. Lidong indicates the start of a period in which life energy begins to close in, with all things entering a state of rest and conservation. The climate also shifts from the dry, rainless autumn toward the cold, damp, and frosty winter.
what day is the start of winter
The exact date of Lidong is determined by the Gregorian calendar, typically falling on November 7 or 8 each year. This is calculated based on Earth's position in its orbit and the movement of the solar direct point. As one of the 24 solar terms, Lidong marks the beginning of winter, with the sun reaching 225° longitude. During this period, the weather begins to transition from the coolness of autumn to the cold of winter.
It's worth noting that because Earth's orbit is not perfectly uniform, the exact date of Lidong may vary slightly each year, but it generally falls on November 7 or 8. On this day, people celebrate the arrival of winter in various ways, such as eating dumplings or performing ancestor worship. These customs hold deep cultural significance and reflect people’s longing for a good life.
what doese start of winter mean
Lidong symbolizes the beginning of winter and is an important point within the 24 solar terms, marking the official arrival of the winter season. It is not only a climatic transition but also carries profound cultural meanings and symbolism.
Seasonal Transition: Lidong signifies the end of autumn and the arrival of winter, serving as a key marker of seasonal change in nature. As Lidong arrives, temperatures gradually drop, and all things enter a dormant state, conserving energy for growth in the coming year.
Life Cycle: Lidong also represents the cycle and renewal of life. During this time, organisms in nature enter a period of conservation and rest in preparation for the cold winter. This cyclical process reflects the resilience of life and the wisdom of nature.
Cultural Significance: In traditional Chinese culture, Lidong holds rich cultural meanings. It is a time for farmers to celebrate the harvest and pray for favorable weather in the coming year, as well as an opportunity for people to express hopes for a bright future. Various customs and activities associated with Lidong, such as eating dumplings and performing ancestor worship, reflect people’s wishes for family reunion, happiness, and well-being.
In summary, Lidong is not only a climatic turning point but also a solar term filled with cultural symbolism. It reminds us to cherish time, harmonize with nature, and greet each challenge and change in life with a calm and peaceful heart.
lidong history
The History of Lidong
Origins and Development
Origin Period: The origins of Lidong can be traced back to ancient agricultural society. With the rise of agrarian civilization and the needs of agricultural production, people began to observe changes in the solar terms to plan farming activities.
Formation Process: During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the concept of the 24 solar terms gradually took shape. This supplementary calendar, devised by the ancestors of ancient China, was created to guide agricultural work. By the Western Han Dynasty, the 24 solar terms were fully established. In 104 BCE, the Taichu Calendar formally incorporated the 24 solar terms, clearly defining the astronomical positions of terms like Lidong.
Historical Records
Zhou Dynasty Texts: The earliest record of the Lidong solar term is found in the Zhou dynasty’s Book of Rites – Monthly Ordinances, which states, “This month, Lidong... On the day of Lidong, the Son of Heaven personally leads the three ministers, the nine officials, and other high-ranking officials to welcome winter at the northern suburbs...” This indicates that Lidong was an important ritual and agricultural point in ancient times.
Western Han Dynasty Texts: In the Western Han Huainanzi – Seasonal Discourses, it states, “On the day of Lidong, water begins to freeze, the ground starts to harden. Pheasants enter the great waters and transform into clams. Rainbows disappear and are no longer visible. The heavenly qi rises, the earthly qi descends; the two do not communicate, and winter is sealed.” This description reflects the ancient understanding and observations of natural phenomena during Lidong.
Texts from the Eastern Han to the Qing Dynasty: Detailed accounts of Lidong are found in works such as the Eastern Han Monthly Instructions for the Four Classes of People, the Warring States Lüshi Chunqiu – Records of the First Month of Winter, as well as official histories, poetry, literature, medical books, agricultural texts, astronomical almanacs, and local gazetteers spanning the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Qing dynasties. Influential works include Xu Guangqi’s Complete Treatise on Agriculture in the Ming Dynasty, with records covering agricultural activities, family affairs, ritual activities, natural phenomena, and dietary customs related to Lidong.
Agricultural Activities During Lidong
Lidong, one of the 24 solar terms, marks the beginning of winter. In traditional Chinese agrarian society, farmers have a variety of unique agricultural practices associated with this season. The main agricultural activities during Lidong are as follows:
Vegetable Planting and Management
Planting Cold-Resistant Vegetables: Around Lidong, farmers plant cold-resistant vegetables such as lettuce, carrots, cilantro, and radishes. Additionally, they continue to cultivate year-round vegetables like garlic, bok choy, and scallions.
Greenhouse Setup and Maintenance: To cope with winter's cold weather, farmers set up greenhouses and ensure proper greenhouse management. During the warmer daytime hours, they may ventilate by opening the sheltered areas, while at night they ensure a tight seal to maintain temperature.
Cold-Resistant Measures: On cloudy winter days, farmers cover crops with plastic mulch to retain soil warmth and reduce the risk of frost damage. They also regulate irrigation and temperature for already planted vegetables.
Fruit Tree Pruning and Management
Pruning Diseased Branches: During Lidong, farmers prune dead branches, fallen leaves, and other debris around fruit trees to eliminate pests and diseases preparing to overwinter. They carry the pruned branches outside the orchard and burn them to prevent reinfestation.
Deep Soil Plowing: Deep plowing the orchard soil (around 30 cm) exposes bacteria and pests hiding in the soil for winter, killing them through frost or by making them accessible to birds.
Pest Trapping: After autumn, farmers tie straw bundles or burlap pieces on large branches of fruit trees to trap pests preparing to overwinter in pupal form, which are then removed and destroyed.
Bark Scraping and Whitewashing: At the end of autumn or start of winter, farmers scrape tree bark to remove rough or diseased bark, exposing the light brown inner layer. Afterward, they apply lime paste to the trunk to prevent pest infestations.
Field Crop Management
Autumn Harvest and Winter Planting: Lidong is an ideal period for autumn harvesting and winter planting. Farmers take advantage of sunny weather to harvest, dry, and air late rice crops, ensuring good quality for storage. They also sow winter wheat and other winter crops during this time.
Irrigation and Fertilization: Lidong is also a time for irrigation improvements and winter fertilization. Farmers enhance the maintenance and management of irrigation facilities, creating a solid foundation for the next year’s agricultural production.
Soil Conservation: To preserve soil moisture and fertility, farmers cover the soil with straw or mulch to prevent water loss. They also regularly loosen and turn the soil to improve aeration and soil fertility.
Livestock and Poultry Management
Protection from Cold and Wind: As cold air fronts move south, livestock farming requires proper insulation and windproofing. Farmers use straw, wood shavings, and increased herd density to protect animals from cold and wind.
Disease Prevention and Control: Winter is a high-risk period for livestock diseases. Farmers enhance monitoring and control of diseases, conducting regular vaccinations and deworming for livestock and poultry.
Feed Storage: To ensure sufficient feed for livestock during winter, farmers store feed in suitable containers, keeping the storage environment dry and protected from moisture to prevent spoilage.
Other Agricultural Activities
Winter Watering: In some northern regions, there is a custom of watering fields during Lidong. Winter watering helps preserve soil moisture and fertility, laying a solid foundation for the next year’s agricultural production.
Fertilizer Preparation: Lidong is also a key time for fertilizer preparation. Farmers use various organic waste materials to make compost, fermenting it to produce high-quality organic fertilizer.
In summary, the agricultural activities during Lidong encompass vegetable planting and management, fruit tree pruning and care, field crop management, livestock and poultry care, and other related activities. These activities are crucial for ensuring the growth of winter and future crops, as well as the health of livestock and poultry.
Traditional Customs of Lidong
As one of the 24 solar terms, Lidong not only marks the beginning of winter but also carries rich traditional customs. Here are some of the customs associated with Lidong:
IDietary Customs
Eating Dumplings: In northern China, it is customary to eat dumplings on Lidong. Dumplings symbolize reunion and happiness, and eating them in winter provides warmth and nutrition to help withstand the cold.
Eating Raw Scallions: In the Nanjing area, people eat raw scallions on Lidong. Scallions are warm and pungent, which stimulates appetite and promotes blood circulation, supporting overall health.
Tonics and Nourishment: Lidong is considered an ideal time for consuming nourishing foods. Various meats and medicinal herbs are used to make soups and herbal dishes, providing nutrients to strengthen the body.
Ritual Customs
Ancestor Worship: In traditional Chinese culture, Lidong is an important time for ancestor worship. People prepare abundant offerings and visit ancestral tombs or ancestral halls to honor and remember their ancestors.
Winter Welcoming Ceremony: In ancient times, emperors held winter welcoming ceremonies on Lidong to pray for a fruitful harvest and peace in the coming year. This custom reflected the emphasis on agricultural production and natural rhythms.
Daily Life Customs
Adding Warm Clothing: As temperatures drop with the arrival of Lidong, people begin to wear more layers for warmth. This custom reflects an alignment with natural changes and attention to personal health.
Adjusting Daily Routines: After Lidong, with shorter days and longer nights, people adjust their routines to ensure adequate sleep and rest, adapting to winter’s unique climate.
Other Customs
Autumn Sun-Drying: In some regions, people use the sunny days before Lidong to dry crops and clothes in preparation for winter.
Divination: In ancient times, people also practiced divination to predict weather patterns and crop yields for the coming year, helping to prepare for the next planting season.
In summary, the traditional customs of Lidong are varied and meaningful. They not only show an alignment with natural patterns and concern for health but also carry deep cultural and historical significance. These customs continue to hold value and relevance in modern society.
Traditional Foods of Lidong
As the start of winter, Lidong is celebrated across different regions in China with a variety of traditional foods. Here are some common foods associated with Lidong:
Northern Regions
Dumplings: In northern China, it’s a tradition to eat dumplings during Lidong. Their shape resembles ancient Chinese silver ingots, symbolizing wealth and prosperity. Dumplings also represent unity and happiness, making them an essential food for this season. Fillings vary widely, including pork and scallions, egg and chives, and fennel, allowing people to choose based on personal preference.
Lamb: As temperatures drop, lamb is a popular choice. Its warming properties help guard against the cold while nourishing the body. Lamb can be prepared in soups, hot pots, or lamb-stuffed buns, making it a common dish for Lidong.
Scallions: In areas like Nanjing, there’s a tradition of eating raw scallions on Lidong. With warming and pungent qualities, scallions help stimulate the appetite, circulate the blood, and protect against cold and dampness.
Squash Dumplings: In Tianjin, people have a custom of eating dumplings filled with squash on Lidong. These dumplings are both delicious and symbolize abundance and prosperity.
Southern Regions
Sugar Cane: In the Chaoshan region, eating sugar cane on Lidong is a tradition. This time of year, sugar cane is juicy and sweet, believed to nourish the blood and clear heat, with a saying that eating sugar cane on Lidong can strengthen the teeth.
Fish Head Soup: Rich in protein, fish is a warming food for Lidong. Fish head soup, often made with tofu or other ingredients, is both delicious and nourishing.
Ginger Duck Soup: In Fujian and Taiwan, it’s customary to eat ginger duck soup on Lidong. Made with mature duck, ginger, goji berries, and other medicinal ingredients, this dish is thought to strengthen the body and warm the stomach, warding off cold.
Glutinous Rice: In Jiangnan, people eat glutinous rice dishes on Lidong. Often combined with dates, longan, and other ingredients, these dishes are rich in carbohydrates, protein, and vitamins, providing energy and nutrition.
Salted Pork and Vegetable Rice: In Suzhou, there’s a tradition of eating rice with salted pork and vegetables. Made with frost-hardened greens, fatty and lean salted pork, and rice, the dish is flavorful and comforting.
Other Regions
Glutinous Rice Cakes: In places like Zhangzhou, Fujian, making and eating glutinous rice cakes is a custom during Lidong. These cakes are sweet and symbolize unity and happiness.
Rice Dumplings: In some regions, people eat rice dumplings (tangyuan) on Lidong, symbolizing family unity and happiness. Rice dumplings can be made with sweet or savory fillings, catering to individual tastes.
Yellow Wine: In Shaoxing and other areas, there is a custom of brewing yellow wine on Lidong. Winter, with its cold, clear water and low temperatures, provides ideal conditions for fermentation. The period from Lidong to the next spring is known as “winter brewing.”
In summary, each region has its own variety of traditional foods for welcoming Lidong, ranging from nutritious winter dishes to symbolic treats. These foods not only offer warmth and nourishment but also carry good wishes for abundance, prosperity, and unity.
References
- Autumn Arrives Late, Short Fall. China Weather Network [Accessed: May 10, 2021]
- Winter Begins Today: Customs and Health Guide for Lidong. China Appliance Network. November 8, 2015 [Accessed: June 26, 2019]
- The 24 Solar Terms. China Meteorological Network [Accessed: May 10, 2021]
- Sichuan "Lidong" Today: Average Temperature Higher Than Usual, Second Highest in History. CNR Network. November 7, 2014 [Accessed: May 10, 2021]
- Guo Gang. "After Lidong, Eat More Bitter and Less Salty." Contemporary Corps, 2011.
- Li Yuanzhou, Chief Editor. Detailed Explanation of the 24 Solar Terms. Beijing: Beijing Yanshan Press, June 2016:180.
- Li Yuanzhou, Chief Editor. Detailed Explanation of the 24 Solar Terms. Beijing: Beijing Yanshan Press, June 2016:181.
- Li Yuanzhou, Chief Editor. Detailed Explanation of the 24 Solar Terms. Beijing: Beijing Yanshan Press, June 2016:182.
- Xiong Chunqin. Chinese Traditional Solar Term Culture: Winter of the Four Seasons. Beijing: Central Compilation and Translation Press, December 2016:95.
- "Spring Birth, Summer Growth, Autumn Harvest, Winter Storage"—Winter Is a Season to Enjoy Harvest. Vision Network [Accessed: August 5, 2021]
