Start of Winter

Story & background

A solar term is a point in the sun's annual path, not a fixed public holiday. The 24 terms helped traditional communities read seasonal change, weather, and agricultural timing.

Customs

• Notice the seasonal changes described by the term.
• Compare how the same term feels in different regions of China.
• Treat the term as a seasonal marker rather than a rule for every family.

Festival food

Seasonal foods vary by region and household. A solar term does not prescribe one national dish, so ask what is familiar locally.