[Explanation] November 7th is the lunar calendar "Beginning of Winter" solar term, and it is also the first solar term in winter.
In ancient times, "Lidong" was one of the "four o'clock and eight festivals".
Therefore, the emperor celebrated the "Lidong" as an important festival, and activities such as sacrificial offerings and winter welcoming gods will be held on that day.
[Concurrent] Folklore Scholar Yang Xin
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the emperor had to lead the civil and military officials three days in advance to the place of Beiliuli in Beijing to welcome the winter god.
After welcoming the Winter God, in the Ditan Park, the royal family held a grand sacrificial activity to thank God for the good year, pray for God, and bestow good weather in the coming year.
After the ceremony was over, winter clothes were given to the ministers, showing the mighty grace of the emperor.
[Explanation] In most parts of northern China, there is a custom of eating dumplings "Lidong".
According to legend, this custom is related to Zhang Zhongjing, a medical scientist in the Eastern Han Dynasty.
[Concurrent] Folklore Scholar Yang Xin
There is a folk saying that "Lidong doesn't serve dumpling bowls, and no one cares about freezing the ears."
According to legend, when Zhang Zhongjing of the Eastern Han Dynasty told him to return to his hometown, he saw that many people on the road were too cold.
So support the big pot on the edge of the Yellow River, put the lamb, chili and the cold-fighting medicinal materials into the boil, scoop it out and chop it, wrap it in the ear-like dough and cook it again. The shape is like an ear, so "Lidong" Old people often say "an ear".
Basically, the whole family has been working for a year. Everyone sits down and eats dumplings. This is a custom in most parts of the north.
[Explanation] After "Beginning of Winter", the sunshine duration continues to shorten, the temperature gradually decreases, and everything enters a state of recuperation.
Folklore scholars suggest that people can eat more warm and nourishing foods to keep out the cold.
At the same time, we must ensure adequate sleep.
[Concurrent] Folklore Scholar Yang Xin
"Lidong" is actually an iconic festival, proving that winter has officially begun.
Therefore, your clothes should be increased or decreased at any time, keep warm, pay attention to health, pay attention to your sleep time, pay attention to your own diet.
At the beginning of "Lidong", you must let yourself get enough sleep.
Maybe 6 hours to 8 hours, let your body recover as much as possible during sleep, and maintain better physical strength and energy.
Reporting from Beijing by reporter Lang Jiahui
Editor in charge: [Zhang Kaixin]