Today is the Winter Solstice (Dongzhi), which will be the shortest day and
longest night of the year. It is also one of the most important festivals
celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians.
celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians.
In China
gettogether. One activity that occurs during these get together is the
making and eating of Tanyuan (湯圓), balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize
reunion.I also ate many Tanyuan with my friends tonight.
gettogether. One activity that occurs during these get together is the
making and eating of Tanyuan (湯圓), balls of glutinous rice, which symbolize
reunion.I also ate many Tanyuan with my friends tonight.
Japanese also have several customs for the winter solstice which is called
“Toji” in Japanese. Not being religious rituals these customs have developed
with the intention of fortifying the body for the cold weather to come and also
of adding color and fun to these darkest and gloomiest of days.
“Toji” in Japanese. Not being religious rituals these customs have developed
with the intention of fortifying the body for the cold weather to come and also
of adding color and fun to these darkest and gloomiest of days.
The most commonly practiced custom for the winter solstice is putting
YUZU(柚子), a type of citrus fruit, in the bath. This is called YUZUYU (柚子湯).
The yuzu is the hardiest and most cold resistant citrus fruit, and thus
represents human resistance to winter’s harsh chill. Its aroma, which fills the
steamy bathroom when the fruits are placed in the bath, is believed to be
therapeutic, and certainly makes you fun from your everyday bath.
YUZU(柚子), a type of citrus fruit, in the bath. This is called YUZUYU (柚子湯).
The yuzu is the hardiest and most cold resistant citrus fruit, and thus
represents human resistance to winter’s harsh chill. Its aroma, which fills the
steamy bathroom when the fruits are placed in the bath, is believed to be
therapeutic, and certainly makes you fun from your everyday bath.
If you go to a hot spring or public bath on the solstice day you will find lots of YUZU
floatingin the water!
floatingin the water!
"Yuzuyu" Japanese hot spring
There are also certain foods which are customarily eaten on Winter Solsticethe.
It is common to have pumpkin, which is rich in vitamins, helps us not to catch a cold.
It is common to have pumpkin, which is rich in vitamins, helps us not to catch a cold.
In wintter, take a hot spring. It's a very enjoyable thing.
ReplyDeleteYUZUYU sounds cool! I never thought about taking hot spring with yuzu. It must be a special feeling to be inside. Maybe it would be in style in Taiwan, if more people got this information! Oh, I forget to introduce myself. My name is Cindi, a student of teacher Tiffany.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. And in fact, I ate lots of Tanyuan as dinner last night. I love it so much. And maybe I considered every day to be Dongzhi Festival. =)