One of the most important days in the Chinese calendar, this celebration also comes with some rules you should take heed of.
PETALING JAYA: While many rush to buy presents and decorate their homes in preparation for Christmas Day on Dec 25, Chinese families around the world are already celebrating – not Christmas, but Winter Solstice Day today.
On this shortest day of the year (also known as Dongzhi), traditional Chinese families gather for a feast.
The festival’s origins can be traced back to the “yin” and “yang” philosophy of balance and harmony, with “yang” representing masculinity and “yin” its feminine opposite.
It’s believed that after the celebrations, the days will return to being long again, signifying the return of the positive “yang” energy.
That being said, the following is what you should avoid doing if you want to live your best life in the year ahead.
1. Do not eat your tangyuan in odd numbers
Tangyuan is a must-have on the table during Dongzhi. Staying true to the belief that “good things come in pairs”, it is advised that you eat these rice flour balls in even numbers.
Dutifully doing so signifies a bountiful year ahead with your partner happily by your side. It is believed that doing so can likely increase the number of your blessings as well.
If you defy the rules and eat the rice balls in odd numbers, you risk spending all of the following year by yourself. To avoid the possibility of going through life without a partner next year simply indulge in just one more, why don’t you?
Dongzhi is celebrated by the Chinese in honour of the positive ‘yang’ energy regaining its strength. (Pixabay pic)
2. Do not stay up too late
Whether you’re glued to your handphone or binge-watching your favourite TV show, you’re likely one of many guilty of going to bed long past midnight.
However, the night is when your “yang” energy is low. So if you’re up late, you won’t be able to adequately fight off the negative energies that usually peak around this time too.
So why put yourself in harm’s way? Go to bed early so you can wake up energised the next morning, ready to tackle the fast-approaching new year with gusto.
3. Do not get into arguments
According to the Chinese solar calendar, Dongzhi is the time where the seasons change or intersect.
Hence, arguing with friends or family members is to be avoided at all costs. The reason behind this taboo?
If you get angry or allow yourself to get drawn into petty squabbles, your aura will be swayed in a negative manner and in turn, affect your “luck” in the coming year.
So why take risks? Just plaster a smile on your face and be pleasant to everyone around you, and safeguard your luck!
It is advisable not to go out past nine o’clock at night during Dongzhi. (Envato Elements pic)
4. Do not go out late at night
In ancient China, dating back to before the Qin dynasty, it was believed that Dongzhi was the time when spirits roamed the land of the living, akin to the Hungry Ghost Festival of today.
So you might just have a run-in with otherworldly “visitors” should you be out and about past 9pm tonight.
If you are left with absolutely no choice and must leave your home tonight, carry some salt in your pocket. The Chinese believe salt can ward off evil spirits or energies.
5. Do not indulge in bedroom activities
This might seem a tad odd, but it has to do with, you guessed it, the “yang” energy on this day.
In China, Dongzhi is when temperatures drop during winter. When you indulge in intense sexual activities, you exhaust your “yang” energy, thereby making way for “yin” energy to enter your body.
This could spell trouble as you could risk negatively affecting your “soul” or “spirit”. This in turn will negatively impact your overall well-being or health.
It’s clearly too big a price to pay for a little nighttime fun so how about a little abstinence on this particular day, folks!
And there you have it, five taboos you should remember during Winter Solstice Day today.