LINE

Text:AAAPrint
Video

China celebrates winter solstice with dumplings

1
2016-12-22 11:14CCTV Editor: Xu Shanshan ECNS App Download

The winter solstice is an especially important time for people living in China's northern provinces. Our reporter Thomas Abrams joins some locals in Beijing for the festival.

It's the middle of winter in China. A time traditional known as Dongzhi. Chinese have been celebrating the winter solstice for centuries. The longest night of the year means there will be brighter DAYS ahead. Instead of splurging on gifts and lighting firecrackers, families traditionally celebrate the winter solstice at home. With temperatures dropping, its important to conserve energy, especially in the north.

It's getting cold here in northern China. Temperatures can drop well below freezing. Chinese families around this time each year, gather together to celebrate winter solstice. And according to Chinese tradition, a special kind of dumpling can help protect against the cold.

Onions, chives, ginger and lamb. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these foods, with a healthy serving of vinegar, can help keep you warm. Chinese families cook these ingredients inside dumplings, that are pinched up to look like bags of money... then serve them to loved ones to give them health and good luck.

"We usually eat dumplings and get together with family and friends," said a local resident.

"Usually in northern China we get together with the family and make dumplings. We have dumplings for dinner on this day," said Sophia, the hutonger.

As the year's longest night approaches, kids across northern China are headed home for some delicious and nutritious home-made Jiaozi.

  

Related news

MorePhoto

Most popular in 24h

MoreTop news

MoreVideo

News
Politics
Business
Society
Culture
Military
Sci-tech
Entertainment
Sports
Odd
Features
Biz
Economy
Travel
Travel News
Travel Types
Events
Food
Hotel
Bar & Club
Architecture
Gallery
Photo
CNS Photo
Video
Video
Learning Chinese
Learn About China
Social Chinese
Business Chinese
Buzz Words
Bilingual
Resources
ECNS Wire
Special Coverage
Infographics
Voices
LINE
Back to top Links | About Us | Jobs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
Copyright ©1999-2018 Chinanews.com. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.